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The defending champion Real is tied at 32 points with Atlético, but has played two more games than Diego Simeone’s men before his trip to Elche.
Karim Benzema has been the driver of Real’s excellent run in December, scoring key goals in victories against Athletic Bilbao, Eibar and Granada after securing the club a place in the knockout phase of the Champions League.
Eden Hazard is also in line to appear after recovering from his latest injury setback. The Belgian was an unused substitute in last week’s win over Granada and has only made three league starts this season.
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane hopes the short holiday break given his players over Christmas will not interrupt the momentum built up in a five-game winning streak in the country.
“We are going to continue working hard. We have a lot of games, we should be happy with what we are doing,” Zidane said.
“We are going to lose games again, but we are going to try to win as many as possible. Every now and then it is inevitable.”
Atlético have responded well to a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid earlier this month that ended their 26-game unbeaten league streak.
However, the loss of Kieran Trippier is a substantial blow for a defense that has conceded just five goals in 13 games, easily the fewest in the division.
The England defender, always present for Atlético in La Liga and Europe this season, was recently sanctioned with a 10-week suspension for violating betting rules and will not be available until March. The club is said to be considering an appeal.
Diego Costa has reportedly asked to terminate his contract for family reasons as he has just returned from a blood clot that left the Brazil-born Spanish international out for a month.
Joao Félix is expected to return after missing a 2-0 win at Real Sociedad, although the Portuguese star has not scored in the league since 7 November.
Barcelona will try to end a turbulent 2020 with a winning note at home against Eibar, but Ronald Koeman’s team will be without Lionel Messi after the Argentine was granted an extended rest while recovering from a blow to the ankle. .
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner admitted that his aborted departure in the summer had affected him earlier in the season, but noted that he was “excited” to play with Koeman.
“Barça is my life, I’m in love with the club. And the city, my children were born here,” Messi said in an interview with Spanish television channel La Sexta broadcast on Sunday.
“I feel good now, ready to fight for everything.”
Player to watch: Iago Aspas
The Celta de Vigo striker, Spain’s top scorer in La Liga three of the last four years, has inspired a change in Balaidos after the team won just one of its first 10 matches.
Aspas, 33, who became the club’s all-time top scorer in the top flight in November, has scored eight times in 15 appearances this season and led Celta back to the top half after four victories in five games before Christmas.
As with Real and Benzema, who is at the top of the scoring chart with Aspas, Celta’s success in 2021 could largely depend on the former Liverpool forward.
Statistics
500 – Diego Simeone will take over his 500th game as Atlético’s manager against Getafe on Wednesday. He has won 300 matches since his appointment in December 2011.
35 – Lionel Messi has been involved in more goals in La Liga than any other player this year. The Argentine has scored 19 goals and provided 16 assists.
9: the number of games without a win for Real Sociedad in all competitions. Two weeks ago the Basques were in first place, but three consecutive defeats have moved Imanol Alguacil’s team six points off the pace.
Matches (all GMT hours)
Tuesday
Sevilla v Villarreal (1600), Barcelona v Eibar (1815), Cadiz v Real Valladolid, Levante v Real Betis (2030)
Wednesday
Granada v Valencia (1600), Atletico Madrid v Getafe, Celta Vigo v Huesca (1815), Elche v Real Madrid (2030)
Thursday
Athletic de Bilbao – Real Sociedad (1300), Osasuna – Alavés (1515)
mw / dmc
