Must-win "Derbi Madrileno" for Los Blancos and Barca's chance to go unreachable at league top

A new "Derbi Madrileno" is upon us! A treat for football fans all over the globe, a chance for Atletico Madrid to show they're not just a "little neighbour" once again, and the game that comes in a pretty tricky moment for Real Madrid.

In fact, let's put it this way: they don't need it at all now.

A double Champions League win over Manchester City has undoubtedly raised spirits at Santiago Bernabeu after a quite struggling period a month ago, but Los Blancos' list of injured players is still long.

Kylian Mbappe and Alvaro Carreras returned to the team, while Thibaut Courtois dropped out of it for a muscle injury. At the same time, fatigue could be another crucial factor.

Real without Courtois for crucial games

Atletico did also play a mid-week game against Tottenham (also in England), but Diego Simeone's roster is currently much larger. Los Colchoneros have played pretty well lately, aren't very motivated, and, most importantly, have nothing to lose, as they'll definitely finish the season in either third or fourth position, which both guarantee UCL football next season.

Pillar of Inter Milan’s defense would only head to one stadium – Camp Nou

The pressure on Real Madrid mounts further, as Barcelona have an (in prospect) easy home game against Rayo Vallecano (16.00), and an eventual win would extend their advantage over Alvaro Arbeloa's crew at the top of the La Liga table to seven points. With nine rounds to go, it could be a vital edge.

Therefore, the math is clear. If the Catalans win and Los Blancos fall short, the title race in Spain may be over, and in years to come, people will highlight March 22 as the crucial date.

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 29

Friday

Villarreal - Real Sociedad 3-1 (3-0)

/Moreno 7, Mikautadze 15, Pepe 23 - Sucic 47/

Saturday

Elche - Mallorca 2-1 (0-0)

/Mir 62, Morente 71 - Torre 58/

Espanyol - Getafe 1-2 (0-2)

/Fernandez 68 - Duarte 45+3, Arambarri 45+7/

Levante - Oviedo 4-2 (2-2)

/Espi 4, 25, Losada 52, Romero 90+3 - Chaira 44, Vinas 45+3 pen/

Osasuna - Girona 1-0 (0-0)

/Budimir 80/

Sevilla - Valencia 0-2 (0-0)

/Duro 38, Ramazani 45+5/

Sunday

16.00: (1.23) Barcelona (6.75) Rayo Vallecano (11.0)

18.15: (1.87) Celta (3.40) Alaves (4.50)

20.30: (2.30) Ath.Bilbao (3.45) Betis (3.30)

23.00: (2.00) Real Madrid (3.90) Atl.Madrid (3.65)

***odds are subject to change***