This archive report was first published on 8 June 2020.
La Liga's top two teams, Barcelona and Real Madrid, are gearing up for a thrilling title race as they return to action after a three-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. The season was postponed on March 10, but both teams are now refreshed and stronger after the long break.
Barcelona, targeting a third consecutive Spanish title, are boosted by the return of Luis Suarez from a knee injury that looked set to rule him out for the season. Suarez's aggression and power should help the team ease their problems in breaking down sides.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, will again enjoy the services of Eden Hazard after he was sidelined with a fractured ankle in February. Also back is Spain forward Marcos Asensio, who should ease the burden on Karim Benzema, their runaway leading scorer with 14 strikes.
With no fans allowed into venues and Real playing their home games at the 6,000-capacity Alfredo Di Stefano stadium while the Santiago Bernabeu is being refurbished, it will be a title race unlike any other.
“We will miss that boost and support you get from the crowd, who have a huge influence,” said Barcelona coach Quique Setien.
Barcelona have a slightly more comfortable run-in in their remaining 11 fixtures in the space of five weeks, with home games against Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid plus trips to Sevilla and Villarreal looking like their toughest games.
Real Madrid, who beat Barcelona in March only to blow their lead at the top by losing to Real Betis, have five potentially tricky fixtures: Valencia, Getafe, and Villarreal at home, plus trips to Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao.
“It would be strange to say we are worse than Barcelona after we beat them just before we went into confinement,” said Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. “Even though we then lost to Betis, I think we’re in good shape. We’re all really excited about starting the league season again and fighting for the championship and winning it.”
