Top Match Round-up: Barca Aim to Break Anoeta Hoodoo in La Liga

While there aren’t any top of the table clashes or basement battles in La Liga this weekend, gameweek 32 still throws up some intriguing match ups.

Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid - Saturday, 17:15 KO

With Barcelona losing the clasico last time out, Atleti and Real Madrid’s title hopes have been revived. Diego Simeone’s men may face favourable opposition in mid-table Espanyol this weekend, but the hosts’ impressive form has moved them clear of the drop zone, and this fixture hasn’t proven plain sailing in the past. Indeed, while Atletico have won 5 of the last 7 meetings between the two, there have been just 7 goals scored in said games, with this clash always a tight affair.

Real Sociedad vs Barcelona - Saturday, 19:30 KO

The blaugrana may be determined to make up for their defeat to Real Madrid last weekend but a trip to Real Sociedad isn’t the fixture they would have wanted as they attempt to bounce back. Eusebio Sacristan’s side ended Sevilla’s 12-home game winning streak last weekend and enjoy the challenge of facing Barcelona, who remarkably haven’t won in their last 6 matches at the Anoeta. Dropping more points would mean the title race is well and truly back on.

Lionel Messi’s elusive goal

Obviously not a top game this weekend, but a top talking point will still be Lionel Messi’s attempt to score his 500th career goal for club and country this weekend. Three games without a goal have put the celebrations on hold, with Real Sociedad actually one of Messi's least favourite opponents having scored just the 10 goals in 14 appearances against them!

Valencia vs Sevilla - Sunday, 15:00 KO

Two of the biggest names in Spanish football go head-to-head on Sunday, though both Valencia and Sevilla approach the game in disappointing form. Pako Ayestaran - hired to assist Gary Neville - has replaced the sacked Englishman in interim charge of los che, who are on the longest losing streak in the league (4) and still in danger of the drop. When it comes to teams desperate to end an unwanted streak though, Sevilla might have the edge, now the only team in Europe’s top 5 leagues without a single away win all season. They might not get a better chance!

Deportivo La Coruna vs Las Palmas - Monday, 19:30 KO

While a match between two mid-table sides may not seem of any great interest, the fact that that much is the case is a sensational feat on Las Palmas’ part. The newly promoted side were widely tipped for a return to the Segunda Division and having sat just one point off the bottom six games ago that looked likely. A run of 5 wins from 6 have lifted the club 8 points clear of the drop, with no La Liga team able to better that form.