Why are Real Madrid and Barcelona playing in LaLiga this midweek?

Real Madrid and Barcelona have had contrasting fortunes in recent times. While both have been eliminatied from the Copa del Rey, Los Blancos have pulled clear of their Clásico rivals in LaLiga, which has ultimately led to Xavi Hernández deciding he is not the right man to lead Barça in the long term. He will, however, take up his usual place in the dugout for the home game against Osasuna on Wednesday, the day before Madrid make the short trip to Getafe.

Midweek LaLiga fixtures on 31 January and 1 February

There is no “official” midweek round in LaLiga this week, which may have some fans scratching their heads as to why three fixtures have been scheduled somewhat randomly. As well as Barcelona taking on Osasuna at Montjuïc (kick-off at 1:00 p.m. ET), Atlético Madrid host Rayo Vallecano (3:00 p.m. ET) on Wednesday 31 January. Those two games precede the clash between Getafe and Real Madrid on Thursday 1 February (3:00 p.m. ET).

You will be able to follow live text coverage of Barcelona - Osasuna on Wednesday (from around 11:30 a.m. ET) and Getafe - Real Madrid on Thursday (from about 1:30 p.m. ET) on AS USA.

Spanish Super Cup forces fixture reschuffle

The three fixtures had been due to take place on matchday 20 (the weekend of 13 and 14 January) but were ultimately pushed back due to Real Madrid, Barça, Atleti and Osasuna taking part in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia between 10 and 14 January. The “big two” won their semi-finals to set up a Clásico final, which Carlo Ancelotti’s side convincingly won by four goals to one. A result that is also likely to have played a part in Xavi’s decision to step down at the end of the season.

Can Barcelona still win LaLiga?

Following their 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal on Sunday, La Blaugrana are 10 points behind second-placed Madrid and are 11 adrift of league leaders Girona, albeit with a game in hand, which will be played this midweek. A victory on Wednesday would move them to within eight points of the “other” Catalans, although Los Blancos can go top of the table and at least maintain their lead over Barça in Getafe on Thursday.

After the three midweek games this week, all 20 teams will have played the same number of matches. There will be 16 LaLiga matches left to play, with the final round of the season set for the weekend of 25 and 26 May.