FC Barcelona travel to Sevilla FC for top four showdown

Sevilla FC vs FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona continued their winning re-start to the LaLiga Santander season with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over CD Leganes, thanks to goals from captain Lionel Messi and teenage star Ansu Fati. Messi has now registered two goals and two assists since the league’s return to tighten his grip on both the golden boot and top assist charts in the competition. Sevilla FC were less impressive in their last outing, drawing 1-1 with Levante UD which allowed Atletico de Madrid to reduce the gap to third place. They will need an improved defensive effort against Spanish football’s most potent attack, something they failed to do in their previous meeting this season which saw FC Barcelona win 4-0. A loss and Atletico de Madrid win could see Sevilla FC fall to fourth and potentially just one point clear of the chasing pack for Europe’s elite competition. This is arguably the most significant match since LaLiga Santander’s return and will be an important measuring stick for both teams following the lengthy suspension of football.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid

Real Sociedad’s return to LaLiga Santander has failed to ignite so far, backing up a 1-1 draw at home to C.A. Osasuna with a 2-0 loss to D. Alavés. The two results have seen them crash out of the top four and are now facing a battle to remain in European football altogether. That task gets no easier as they welcome Real Madrid who, like FC Barcelona, have made a perfect start to the season’s resumption. Their 3-0 victory over a 10-man Valencia CF in their previous game was highlighted by the return to form from Marco Asensio, who has played a bit part this season but could prove crucial to their title hopes if he can continue his improved play. Real Madrid won their previous LaLiga Santander meeting, a 3-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu in November, but Real Sociedad did beat their rivals 4-3 in February.

Atletico de Madrid vs R. Valladolid

Atletico de Madrid turned in the performance of their season so far in their last match, overcoming what has been a persistent issue in scoring goals this season (32 in 28 leading up to the match) with a one-sided 5-0 win over C.A. Osasuna. Goals from Alvaro Morata, Yannick Carrasco, Marcos Llorente and a brace from record-signing Joao Felix helped complete the rout as they moved back into the top four. They had scored three goals in a game just three times this season leading into the match and Diego Simeone will be buoyed by the freedom in which his side are playing. They will look to continue to press for a top four place against R. Valladolid who have been solid upon their return to football with a win and draw across their two games. The results have given them an eight-point buffer from the relegation zone and a solid result here could go a long way to ensuring their survival. They earned a 0-0 draw in their previous encounter this season.