La Liga preview: Barca faces tough test as Madrid tackles Girona

As the season is getting halfway, yh the race for the La Liga title is getting heated, with FC Barcelona and Real Madrid battling over first place.

Barcelona travels to face Real Betis at Estadio Benito Villamarín, as both clubs will look to return to winning ways after going rounds without tasting victory.

Betis have not won any game in their last four league games, losing two and drawing two. Barca also have been without a win, in their last three league games, losing two and drawing one.

Meanwhile, Betis are also without a win in the league on home soil against Barcelona in about 16 years. They last won in March 29th 2008, when Los Verdiblancos bounced back from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2.

Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis will hope to break the jinx as they host the Catalans at Estadio Benito Villamarín.

However, with Lamine Yamal fully back, completing La Liga most prolific front three of the competition, in Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and the youngster, Barcelona will be hoping to go home with all three points.

Meanwhile, the clash is also expected to be one of reunion as several players will be playing against their former team. Real Betis players, such as Vitor Roque, Marc Bartra, Héctor Bellerín, Ez Bade and Sergi Altimira, have had FC Barcelona past. Also, Junior Firpo will be in shirts for Betis against Barca, his former side. Current star, Gavi, also spent time in the Real Betis academy before switching to La Masia. This relationship has gone both ways and should be a special game for so many reasons.

Another duel in the La Liga fixture is the duel between Girona FC and Real Madrid at the Estadi Montilivi. Madrid will travel to face Girona, in a game expected to be highly entertaining, as both clubs have played out several high-scoring games in recent years.

Girona FC enter this test in decent form, with their manager, Míchel winning the November Coach of the Month p for LALIGA EA SPORTS.

Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid failed to close the gap on Barcelona as they lost 2-1 away at Athletic Club on Wednesday night. They had won their previous three games before that, scoring nine goals and conceding none, but now travel to Catalonia in search of three points.

Madrid will also hope to replicate last season performances against the Catalans. They won 3-0 away in Catalonia and 4-0 at home.

The first of Saturday’s fixtures is a clash between the first two La Liga clubs to sack their manager this season, UD Las Palmas and Real Valladolid.

Also, Valencia welcomes Rayo Vallecano, as Real Sociedad visits Leganés. Athletic Club are in action at home against Villarreal CF, while Deportivo Alavés, makes a short trip to take on Osasuna.

Another tough clash is between Atlético de Madrid and Sevilla on Sunday, while Getafe take on RCD Espanyol on Monday night.