MADRID, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- A possible hangover from the midweek's Copa del Rey quarterfinals and the continued fallout from last weekend's refereeing controversy involving Real Madrid will be two factors in the 22nd round of games in La Liga this weekend. Here are some things to look forward to in Spain.
1. No Bellingham for Real Madrid
Jude Bellingham is suspended for Real Madrid's visit to Las Palmas, meaning his side is without their most influential player so far this season.
Brahim Diaz is likely to replace Bellingham in a free-ranging midfield role against a rival that has been excellent on their return to the top flight.
Bellingham has rescued Madrid from several flat displays this season, so the big question is how his side will perform without him.
2. Copa del Rey hangovers
Eight sides played in the Cup quarterfinals during the week, which means they had tense and draining 90 (or 120) minutes of football, while their weekend rivals were able to rest.
That could help Real Betis on their visit to Mallorca, and give Cadiz a chance to end a 17-game run without a win when they entertain Athletic Bilbao following the latter's win over FC Barcelona.
Perhaps the key game is between Celta Vigo and Girona, two sides who both rested a host of key players in midweek to give priority to La Liga. Celta lost tamely at home to Real Sociedad to pile pressure on coach Rafael Benitez, and if Benitez's gamble backfires against the league leaders, he could lose his job.
3. Referees and VAR under the spotlight
The row over the controversial refereeing and VAR performance in Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Almeria last weekend has rumbled on all week, with Barca president Joan Laporta giving an interview saying VAR has been "kidnapped."
Meanwhile, Real Madrid insists the 'Negreira case' means Barca's results over the last 20 years are under suspicion, while their TV network RMTV broadcasts videos questioning the integrity of referees every time they fail to win.
This has created a difficult climate for officials, and whoever is in charge of Madrid's game in Las Palmas and Barca's match at home to Villarreal will face huge pressure.
4. Difficult weekend for Barca after Cup exit
FC Barcelona was knocked out of the Copa de Rey after an intense 120 minutes away to Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday night when the Basque side was able to impose their speed and strength after Barca controlled the first half.
The game was draining and Barca only has two days to recover before entertaining a Villarreal side that is still struggling for form. Barca's fatigue should give Villarreal a chance, but Barca also lost Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen and possibly Ronald Araujo to injury, with the trio joining an already long injury list.
With few options to swap things around, coach Xavi Hernandez will have to rely on tired players and Hector Fort and Pau Cubarsi, both 17, for another vital game. ■
