La Liga schedule and preview, Week 17: Spain returns to action after the winter break

The winter break is over, and Spain will ring in the new year with the first round of La Liga matches in 2015. Real Madrid claimed the Club World Cup during the break, and return to league play with a one point lead over Barcelona, but also holding a game in hand.

The leaders play Sunday on the road against Valencia, which should be the best match of the weekend. Los Che had a tremendous first part of the season, and sit in fourth place, four points behind Atlético Madrid for third. They might be even closer if not for a two disappointing draws in their last four matches. Madrid meanwhile have won 22 straight matches in all competitions, just two victories shy of tying Coritiba's record set in 2011.

Barcelona are aiming to revenge their loss against Real Sociedad from last season as they travel to the Anoeta Stadium. La Real have managed only three wins so far this season, but this is the first time they'll face Barca since hiring David Moyes. The Scottish manager will no doubt be looking forward to the challenge of coaching against one of the world's biggest clubs, and they could certainly use some points to keep their heads above the relegation fight.

Atlético Madrid will try to take advantage of any slips by their title rivals as they face Levante, while 5th place Villarreal could jump Valencia with a win over Elche, if Los Che fall against Madrid.

Sevilla vs. Celta Vigo | 12 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. CEST

Málaga vs. Almería | 4 p.m. ET, 10 p.m. CEST

Getafe vs. Rayo Vallecano | 6 a.m. ET, 12 p.m. CEST

Espanyol vs. Eibar | 1 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. CEST

Córdoba vs. Granada | 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. CEST