Thu 29 Dec 2022, 20:19:22

Barcelona and Real Madrid resume their battle for the Spanish league title as the competition resumes after a seven-week break for the World Cup.

When the club ceased operations in early November, Barcelona and Madrid were already threatening to make it a two-team race, with nine points separating second-placed Madrid and third-placed Real Sociedad.

Barcelona have a two-point lead to host crosstown rivals Espanyol at the Camp Nou on Saturday, a day before defending champions Madrid visit Valladolid.

Barcelona’s head coach Xavi Hernandez gives a thumbs up prior to a Spanish La Liga soccer match between FC Barcelona and Celta Vigo at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, October 9, 2022. Barcelona and Real Madrid resume their battle for Spanish league titles when the competition resumes after a seven-week break for the World Cup. Barcelona are two points clear and host Espanyol at the Camp Nou on Saturday 31 December 2022, a day before holders Madrid visit Valladolid. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort, file)

The Catalan club are under even greater pressure to win their first league title since 2019 after failing in the Champions League group stage, despite bolstering their squad this summer with funds raised by selling part of their TV rights and other assets.

“We have to be self-critical. We weren’t up to the task in the Champions League,” said coach Xavi Hernández recently. “I think we did well in the Spanish league. I have high hopes that we can win this league. That would give the club stability. It has priority.”

Xavi’s immediate concern is picking a striker to lead his attack while Robert Lewandowski is serving a three-game ban. Lewandowski was suspended for a game after

two yellow cards in Barcelona’s 2-1 win at Osasuna in his last game in early November. The Spanish Football Federation extended his ban for two more games because of Lewandowski’s “show of disrespect” towards the referee when he pointed his nose twice after being sent off.

Lewandowski and his 13 league lead goals have helped propel Barcelona to the top of the table. Xavi is likely to bet on either Ansu Fati, Memphis Depay or Ferran Torres to replace the Polish striker against Espanyol and subsequent league games against Atlético Madrid and Getafe.

Several Barcelona players took part in the World Cup, including Jules Koundé and Ousmane Dembélé, whose France lost to Argentina and former Barcelona great Lionel Messi in the final.

Xavi said the long break has allowed injured defenders Ronald Araújo and Sergi Roberto to recover and be ready to play on Saturday.

Barcelona welcome an Espanyol side that have only had two wins this season and sit 16th, just a point above the relegation zone. Espanyol reinforced their defense this week by acquiring Mexican defender César Montes.

Madrid are back in action with Carlo Ancelotti trying to regain his Championship form after stumbles before the World Cup was suspended. A loss to Rayo Vallecano and a draw against Girona in two of their last three games before half-time cost them top spot.

Karim Benzema should be ready to play after his hopes of adding a world title to his Ballon d’Or award were ruined by a left thigh injury during training with France. Benzema has been hampered by injuries this season, only appearing in seven Spanish league games.

Valladolid sit in 12th place after winning three of their last five games.

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