Heavyweights Barcelona and Real Madrid will chase further victories when the 2024-25 La Liga returns from the international break with Matchday 10 fixtures spread from Friday 18 to Monday 21 October.
Barcelona’s form under Hansi Flick has contrasted sharply with their off-field disorganisation, and they will chase another three-point haul at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Montjuic when they welcome Sevilla for a night clash on Sunday.
‘Los Nervionenses’ have once again struggled for consistency at the start of the season, but Barca’s Flick has warned against underestimating their opponents: “When we started the season, I said there would be no excuses. That remains the same, and we will not take any team we face for granted – every game is a new challenge where we start at zero goals. It is then our job to try and prove why we are a better team.”
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will be in action on Saturday night when they head to Abanca-Balaidos Stadium for a clash with Celta Vigo. ‘Los Blancos’ manager Carlo Ancelotti has explained that his team will continue to rely on their versatility and adaptability to continue racking up results.
“What stands out the most is that Real Madrid, over these years, doesn’t have one single identity, [we] have done things well, defended well in a low block, had very quick transitions, managed possession well in some games,” said the Italian tactician.
“Not having a clear identity makes some think that we don’t have a style. And that’s the truth, we don’t have a style, we have many styles.”
The round opens on Friday night with Deportivo Alaves hosting Real Valladolid, while Saturday afternoon is headlined by Athletic Bilbao hosting Espanyol. ‘Los Leones’ have continued their growth under Ernesto Valverde, though the manager has admitted that balancing their domestic commitments with their Europa League campaign poses challenges.
“Of course there is a greater load on the players, and this is something we must always be aware of,” said Valverde. “But of course playing in Europe is a status that a club like ours should enjoy. We want to be there, but we also need to make sure we do the business in La Liga.”
Other matches to watch out for in this round include Atletico Madrid hosting Leganes, Real Sociedad visiting Girona, and Valencia welcoming Las Palmas to the Mestalla Stadium on Monday night.
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Broadcast details:
Friday 18 October
- 21:00: Deportivo Alaves v Real Valladolid – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
Saturday 19 October
- 14:00: Athletic Bilbao v Espanyol – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
- 16:15: Osasuna v Real Betis – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
- 18:30: Girona v Real Sociedad – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
- 21:00: Celta Vigo v Real Madrid – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
Sunday 20 October
- 14:00: Mallorca v Rayo Vallecano – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
- 16:15: Atletico Madrid v Leganes – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
- 18:30: Villarreal v Getafe – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
- 21:00: Barcelona v Sevilla – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
Monday 21 October
- 21:00: Valencia v Las Palmas – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3