La Liga Matchday 15: Barcelona and Atletico Madrid Unburdened by Champions League Worries, Mallorca to Dominate Alaves Again?

The 15th round of La Liga fixtures took place on the evening of December 3rd, Beijing time, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid having already secured their spots in the Champions League knockout stages. With Real Madrid and Girona, the top two teams on the table, both winning their matches this round, Barcelona and Atletico had to give their all in the league to keep up the pressure. Alaves, who were relegated in the 2021-2022 season with significant contributions from Mallorca, now find themselves in a better position for survival. However, this time, is it Mallorca who faces a tough battle?

Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid: Champions League Provides a Springboard for La Liga

With Real Madrid and Girona both securing wins this round, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid could not afford to settle for a draw. Barcelona recently clinched a 2-1 comeback victory over Porto in the Champions League, securing their progression to the knockout stages. Considering their final group stage opponent is bottom-placed Antwerp, Barcelona is almost certain to top their group. This marks the first time Xavi has led Barcelona into the Champions League knockout stages as a coach.

However, Xavi's journey to defend the La Liga title has been less smooth. Since losing at home to Real Madrid, Barcelona has only managed two wins in their last four league matches, a points accumulation rate far too low for a title contender. Since their match against Mallorca at the end of September, Barcelona has failed to score more than two goals in a single La Liga game for eight consecutive matches. While Lewandowski's goals are still coming, they lack the dominance of last season. Additionally, Barcelona's defense has not maintained last season's standards, contributing to their recent points drop. Although Xavi's job is not in immediate jeopardy, the pressure on his shoulders is undoubtedly increasing.

Despite trailing the top two by seven points, Atletico Madrid, with two games in hand, need not worry just yet. Like Barcelona, Atletico also secured their Champions League progression with a win over Feyenoord, thanks to own goals from the opponent’s forward and defender. Simeone’s team will now compete with Lazio for the top spot in the final group stage match. In their last La Liga outing, Atletico secured a narrow victory over Mallorca, with Griezmann scoring the decisive goal in the 64th minute. However, as they failed to score a second, Griezmann did not get a chance to rest. Fortunately, Mallorca's attack was weak, creating only one shot on goal, leaving Oblak largely untested.

Barcelona has won the last three encounters against Atletico, with last season's two 1-0 victories perfectly embodying Xavi's football philosophy. Despite both teams having Champions League commitments midweek, the current league pressure means they cannot afford to rest. With the Champions League progression secured, both teams can now fully focus on the league. Atletico's form is slightly better, but Barcelona has the home advantage, making a 1-1 draw, which neither team would favor, a likely outcome.

Mallorca vs. Alaves: Another Six-Point Relegation Battle

The bottom six teams on the table have not won in the last six rounds, making it difficult for significant changes at the tail end of the standings. After losing to Atletico last weekend, Mallorca played a rescheduled match from Round 13 midweek, drawing 1-1 with Cadiz despite dominating the game. This missed opportunity to extend their lead over the relegation zone leaves Mallorca precariously placed, just two points above the drop. With even the three teams in the relegation zone scoring more goals than Mallorca, it is clear that attacking prowess is the major obstacle to Mallorca's ascent.

Alaves, on the other hand, have secured two wins in their last three matches, accumulating nearly twice as many points as third-bottom Celta Vigo, putting them in a relatively safe position. Their recent victories against Granada and Almeria, who occupy the bottom two spots, were crucial six-point relegation battles. Although Alaves has only scored one more goal than Mallorca, their ability to consistently perform against fellow relegation contenders sets them apart.

In the 2021-2022 season, when Alaves were relegated, Mallorca achieved a double over them, a key factor in Mallorca's eventual survival. Now that Alaves are back in La Liga, their current points tally is better than Mallorca's, and they will be eager to return the favor. However, Mallorca has not lost at home to Alaves in 17 years. Both teams are wary of each other and can accept a draw, given their weak attacking capabilities, making a 0-0 scoreline a likely outcome.

Barcelona's Pressure and Atletico's Form

Barcelona's recent form in La Liga has been concerning. After a promising start, the team has struggled to find consistency. Their defense, once a stronghold, has shown vulnerabilities, and their attack lacks the clinical edge it had last season. Lewandowski's form, while still impressive, has not reached the heights of the previous campaign, and the supporting cast has failed to step up in crucial moments. This dip in form has resulted in dropped points, increasing the pressure on Xavi to turn things around quickly.

Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, have shown resilience and tactical discipline under Simeone. Their Champions League campaign has been solid, and their league form, although not perfect, has been strong enough to keep them in contention. Griezmann's resurgence has been a key factor, with the Frenchman playing a pivotal role in their attacking play. Atletico's defense remains one of the best in the league, providing a solid foundation for their success.

Mallorca's Struggles and Alaves' Stability

Mallorca's inability to convert their dominance into goals has been their Achilles' heel this season. Despite creating numerous chances, their lack of a clinical finisher has cost them valuable points. This has left them precariously close to the relegation zone, and their upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining their fate. The team must find a way to translate their possession and chances into goals if they are to secure their La Liga status.

Alaves, in contrast, have shown a pragmatic approach to their campaign. They have managed to win crucial matches against fellow relegation contenders, giving them a buffer above the drop zone. Their defense, while not impregnable, has been solid enough to grind out results, and their attack has done just enough to secure vital points. This stability has been key to their current position, and maintaining this form will be crucial in the battles ahead.

Tactical Insights and Key Players

For Barcelona, the key to turning their season around lies in rediscovering their attacking flair while tightening up defensively. Xavi needs to find the right balance between attack and defense, ensuring that the team is solid at the back while also being creative and clinical in front of goal. Players like Pedri and Gavi will be crucial in this regard, providing the link between defense and attack.

Atletico Madrid's success will continue to hinge on their defensive solidity and the attacking prowess of Griezmann. Simeone's tactical nous has been evident throughout the season, and his ability to get the best out of his players in crucial moments has been a hallmark of their campaign. Maintaining this discipline and effectiveness will be key to their continued success.

Mallorca must focus on improving their attacking output. Finding a reliable goal scorer will be essential in converting their chances into points. The midfield must also step up, providing more support to the forwards and creating more goal-scoring opportunities.

Alaves will look to continue their pragmatic approach, focusing on solid defensive performances and taking their chances when they come. Their ability to perform in high-pressure relegation battles has been impressive, and this mental toughness will be crucial as the season progresses.

Predictions and Expectations

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid’s clash is set to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams needing a win to keep pace with the top two. While Atletico's current form gives them a slight edge, Barcelona's home advantage could prove decisive. A 1-1 draw seems a likely outcome, with both teams having the capability to score but also possessing strong defenses.

Mallorca and Alaves' encounter is another crucial relegation battle. Both teams have shown vulnerabilities in attack, and their defensive solidity suggests a low-scoring affair. A 0-0 draw is a realistic prediction, with both teams likely to prioritize avoiding defeat over pushing for a win.

As La Liga approaches the halfway mark, the battles at both ends of the table are intensifying. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid must find consistency and form to challenge for the title, while Mallorca and Alaves need to grind out results to secure their top-flight status. The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the outcomes of their respective campaigns.