MADRID, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Matchday 15 of La Liga this weekend sees league leaders FC Barcelona visit Betis, Real Madrid host Celta Vigo, and both Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid look to recover from painful midweek defeats. Here are some things to watch this weekend in La Liga.
1. In-form Betis to demand the best from Barcelona
FC Barcelona was at its best in Tuesday's win at home to Atletico Madrid and will need to produce another top performance on Saturday to win away to a Betis side that is also in excellent form. Riding high after a 2-0 away win against Sevilla, Betis will be supported by a packed crowd at the Estadio de la Cartuja.
The fit-again Raphinha has shown how important he is to Barcelona in the last two games, with all-energy displays, scoring goals, providing assists and also pressing high up the pitch.
Saturday's game pits two sides that play excellent attacking football against each other, and if Barcelona can come away with three points, it will be a big boost to its title campaign.
2. Full squad is vital for Alonso's Real Madrid
Real Madrid won 3-0 in the hostile San Mames Stadium on Wednesday night, with two excellent goals from Kylian Mbappe. Arguably the most important thing for Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso was the defensive trio formed by Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao in central defense, with Aurelien Tchouameni in the holding midfield role.
Recent weeks have seen Real Madrid struggle defensively, but although Athletic Bilbao created chances, Rudiger, Militao and Tchouameni provided more control. With Mbappe in current form, this structure could secure many victories for Real Madrid.
3. Athletic and Atletico need to bounce back
The feeling in Bilbao after Wednesday's defeat was one of frustration, with supporters knowing how hard it is to beat Real Madrid, but also feeling their side failed to produce the aggression and self-belief that has been its calling card.
Athletic is not helped by a long injury list, especially in attack, but Oihan Sancet will return after injury to give Ernesto Valverde's side a boost when it hosts Atletico Madrid on Saturday night.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone was also frustrated by his side's defeat to Barcelona, which also lacked its usual toughness at key moments.
Atletico has lost Johnny Cardoso, Alex Baena and Jose Gimenez to injuries, but a strong response is needed at San Mames for what promises to be 90 minutes of intense football.
4. Key game for Lisci and Osasuna
Osasuna goes into Monday's home match against second-from-bottom Levante on a six-match winless run and after two home defeats, leaving Alessio Lisci's side just above the relegation zone. If Girona earns a point against Elche on Sunday, Osasuna will drop into the bottom three.
Lisci has struggled to give Osasuna a definitive style of play, switching from a five-man to a four-man defense. Typically a tough team, Osasuna seems to have lost its edge.
There were positive signs in last weekend's fightback from 2-0 down to draw in Mallorca, but if Osasuna fails to beat struggling, coach-less Levante, Lisci's job will be in danger. ■
