Real Madrid’s shock 3-2 defeat to Villarreal on Saturday evening has effectively ended their chances of retaining their La Liga title from last season. A victory for Barcelona on Monday would put Xavi Hernandez’s side 15 points clear at the top of the table.
Real Madrid’s fight with Barcelona has all but ended, but their battle with city rivals Atletico Madrid is very much alive.
A victory for Los Rojiblancos on Sunday against Rayo Vallecano would close the gap to just two points, with 10 matches still to be played this season.
Diego Simeone’s side have been on sensational form in 2023, having only lost once (vs Barcelona in January). They are unbeaten in their last 11 matches, winning eight of those.
Antoine Griezmann has confirmed himself as one of La Liga’s best players during this spell, but others, including Mario Hermoso have also stepped up.
Rayo Vallecano will be difficult test for Atletico Madrid on Sunday, but with the form they are in at the moment, you’d be hard-pressed to go against Simeone’s men.