Real Madrid faces tougher challenge in La Liga Round 23

Real Madrid has the more difficult task among the two title contenders in the 23rd round of La Liga.

The Madrid team will be tested on Sunday night (Feb 8) at the always-hostile Mestalla against Valencia, with victory being the only option for the “Merengues” to keep the pressure on leaders Barcelona, CE Report quotes ANA-MPA.

Although the “Bats” are far from the competitive team of recent years and sit just one point above the relegation zone, they are always a tough opponent at home, especially against a team like Real, which shows many ups and downs in its performances.

It should be noted, however, that Valencia comes off a cup defeat at the hands of Athletic Bilbao, while Real had no midweek obligations, having already been eliminated from the Copa del Rey.

For Barcelona, the easy February schedule continues with Saturday’s match at Spotify Camp Nou against Mallorca, who are fighting to avoid relegation. The timing is favorable for the Catalans, who are not in their best form and are significantly affected by the absence of the injured Pedri, but at the same time, they have found a way to “get the job done” against weaker opponents even without playing at 100%. Hansi Flick’s side will have the opportunity to temporarily open a four-point gap, depending on Real’s result in Valencia.

Summary of La Liga’s 23rd round:

• Celta – Osasuna 6/2

• Rayo Vallecano – Oviedo 7/2

• Barcelona – Mallorca 7/2

• Sevilla – Girona 7/2

• Real Sociedad – Elche 7/2

• Alavés – Getafe 8/2

• Athletic Bilbao – Levante 8/2

• Atlético Madrid – Betis 8/2

• Valencia – Real Madrid 8/2

• Villarreal – Espanyol 9/2

Standings (after 22 games):

Barcelona 55

Real Madrid 54

Atlético Madrid 45

Villarreal 42 – 21 games

Betis 35

Espanyol 34

Celta 33

Real Sociedad 28

Osasuna 26

Alavés 25

Athletic Bilbao 25

Girona 25

Elche 24

Mallorca 24

Sevilla 24

Valencia 23

Getafe 23

Rayo Vallecano 22

Levante 18 – 21 games

Oviedo 16