Soccer

La Liga schedule and preview, Week 9: El Clasico and other tales

The first league match of the season between Barca and Real Madrid will grab all the headlines this weekend.

Oct 23, 2014, 8:00 PM UTC

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno

While there are nine total games during week nine of La Liga, the only one most people are paying attention to is the first league matchup between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The latest Clásico finds Barca at the top of the league table, four points clear of Madrid in third place. That point gap makes Saturday’s match extremely interesting because a three point swing either way will change the dynamic of the title race in a considerable way. Barca could leave the weekend seven points clear of their rivals or find Madrid right in their rear view mirror. A Madrid loss could also drop them down the table a bit, depending on how other games play out.

One of the teams that could benefit from a Barca win is Atlético Madrid who face 10th placed Getafe. Atléti have won four of their last five matches in all competitions, looking much more like the team that shocked many by winning the title last season. A draw between their title rivals would suit them best in terms of getting closer to the top spot, but they'll need to make sure to focus on their own business on Sunday.

Sevilla are not to be forgotten either as they sit in second place, easily one of the most surprising teams in the league this season. Unai Emery's men have lost just once this season, but will face a tough challenge from Villarreal. Valencia had been rolling along as well until last week's embarrassing loss against Depor. Los Che will look to rebound against 18th-placed Elche.

In the end though it all comes down to the Clásico. Will Barca take a firmer grip on first place? Will Real Madrid tighten up the title race? We will all find out together on Saturday.