This archive report was first published on 3 January 2020.
La Liga's top two teams, Barcelona and Real Madrid, are set to resume their intense title rivalry on Saturday, January 4, 2020, as Spanish league action returns briefly before the pair head off to Saudi Arabia for the Super Cup.
League leaders Barcelona have an easy trip to cross-town rivals Espanyol, who are struggling at the bottom of the table, while Real Madrid return to action after three straight draws before the break, including a goalless 'Clasico' in December.
Barcelona, under the guidance of Ernesto Valverde, have been unbeaten in all competitions since November and sit two points ahead of Real Madrid, despite some below-par performances.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will be without injured Eden Hazard and suspended captain Sergio Ramos for their derby against Getafe, but James Rodríguez, Marcelo, and Lucas Vázquez are all available.
Both teams may switch up their line-ups given their controversial voyage to Saudi Arabia to contest the Super Cup, alongside Atletico Madrid and Valencia, from January 8.
The decision to hold the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia has caused a storm in Spain, with Spain's public broadcaster RTVE refusing to bid for the rights due to human rights concerns.
