This round will see a fewer number of games played with matches starting on Sunday and going on until Thursday. None of Spain's biggest sides - Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, or Barcelona - will be in action over the course of these games, but that doesn't mean that fans still shouldn't tune in as some of these upcoming results could see some changes in the league standings.
Here's all you need to know ahead of matchday 21.
La Liga standings heading into matchday 21
| Pos. | Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | P | Form | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Real Madrid | 32 | 25 | 6 | 1 | 70 | 22 | +48 | 81 | WWWWW | |
| 2 | Barcelona | 32 | 21 | 7 | 4 | 64 | 37 | +27 | 70 | LWWWW | |
| 3 | Girona | 32 | 21 | 5 | 6 | 67 | 40 | +27 | 68 | WLWLW | |
| 4 | Atlético Madrid | 32 | 19 | 4 | 9 | 59 | 38 | +21 | 61 | LWWLL | |
| 5 | Athletic Club | 32 | 16 | 10 | 6 | 52 | 30 | +22 | 58 | DDLWW | |
| 6 | Real Sociedad | 32 | 13 | 12 | 7 | 46 | 34 | +12 | 51 | DDWWW | |
| 7 | Real Betis | 32 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 40 | 38 | +2 | 48 | WWLLL | |
| 8 | Valencia | 32 | 13 | 8 | 11 | 35 | 34 | +1 | 47 | LWWDL | |
| 9 | Villarreal | 32 | 11 | 9 | 12 | 51 | 55 | -4 | 42 | WDLWW | |
| 10 | Getafe | 32 | 9 | 13 | 10 | 38 | 44 | -6 | 40 | DDLWL | |
| 11 | Osasuna | 32 | 11 | 6 | 15 | 37 | 46 | -9 | 39 | LLWLL | |
| 12 | Sevilla | 32 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 41 | 45 | -4 | 37 | WWWLD | |
| 13 | Las Palmas | 32 | 10 | 7 | 15 | 30 | 39 | -9 | 37 | LLLLL | |
| 14 | Deportivo Alavés | 32 | 9 | 8 | 15 | 28 | 38 | -10 | 35 | WLLLW | |
| 15 | Rayo Vallecano | 32 | 7 | 13 | 12 | 27 | 39 | -12 | 34 | WDDWL | |
| 16 | Mallorca | 32 | 6 | 13 | 13 | 26 | 38 | -12 | 31 | LLDWL | |
| 17 | Celta de Vigo | 32 | 7 | 10 | 15 | 37 | 47 | -10 | 31 | WLDWL | |
| 18 | Cádiz | 32 | 4 | 13 | 15 | 22 | 45 | -23 | 25 | LLWLW | |
| 19 | Granada | 32 | 3 | 9 | 20 | 33 | 61 | -28 | 18 | DWLLL | |
| 20 | Almería | 32 | 1 | 11 | 20 | 31 | 64 | -33 | 14 | LDLWD |
La Liga games you won't want to miss on matchday 21
Elche vs Villarreal: After a strong run, Villarreal's winning run came to an end as the Yellow Submarine drew with reigning La Liga champs Atletico Madrid 2-2. That came on the heels of a 2-1 loss to Sporting Gijon in the Copa del Rey just days prior. As such, Villarreal, who are in eighth place, will look to avoid making it a third game sans a win as they travel to face Elche on Sunday.
Real Betis vs Deportivo Alaves: Real Betis have arguably been one of the surprise packages this season, as they're presently in third spot, ahead of teams like Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. However, they've hit a rough patch lately, with just one point picked up from their last three games. Relegation-threatened Deportivo Alaves could present a good chance for them to get back on track.
Valencia vs Sevilla: Valencia, who currently sit in 10th spot, come into their upcoming clash with Sevilla in a patch of bad form. They've lost two on the spin and more concerning are facing an illness and injury crisis, with as many as nine players either dealing with muscular troubles or COVID-19. That's something that Sevilla, who have had an outstanding season so far, will look to take advantage of as they aim to close the gap on league leaders Real Madrid - who are five points ahead before Sevilla take to the pitch on Wednesday.
Getafe vs Grenada: As things stand, Getafe come into this game sitting in 17th spot, just narrowly hovering above the drop zone. After seemingly turning a corner, they've been dealt a setback with a loss from their last game, and thus will be desperate to get back on track as they host Grenada, who are unbeaten in their last five games, but have drawn their last two.
Team news for matchday 21
Here's who's out or in doubt for matchday 21
*All info as of 15 January 2022
Villarreal: Francis Coquelin (Achilles Irritation), Paco Alcácer (Muscle Injury), Rubén Peña (Shoulder Injury)
Real Betis: Martín Montoya (Achilles tendon problems), Willian José (Muscle Injury)
Sevilla: Erik Lamela (Shoulder Injury), Suso (Ankle Injury)
Valencia: Daniel Wass (COVID-19), Toni Lato (Muscle Injury), Dimitri Foulquier (Muscle Injury), Maxi Gómez (COVID-19), Denis Cheryshev (COVID-19), Thierry Correia (Muscle Injury), Hélder Costa (COVID-19), Jasper Cillessen (COVID-19), Carlos Soler (Muscle Injury)
Atletico Madrid: Not in action during this midweek round
Barcelona: Match postponed
Real Madrid: Not in action during this midweek round
