Derby chaos, title tension & Nigerian flair: How Ejuke and Akor Adams are lighting up a LaLiga weekend packed with three derbies and four huge battles
Following the international break, LALIGA returns back into action with a Matchday 13 packed with rivalry, high stakes, and star power.
At the centre of the action will be three explosive derbies, four critical clashes with European and relegation consequences, and a fascinating Monday night showdown featuring two Nigerian Super Eagles stars who found the net during the break.
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Three major derbies headline the weekend
This Friday night fixture marks the long-awaited return of the Valencian Derby to LaLiga after a three-and-a-half-year absence.
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With Valencia sitting 17th and Levante 19th, both teams are desperate to pick up vital points to escape the relegation zone. The high stakes promise a tense battle for local pride and survival at Mestalla.
On Sunday, Getafe host Atletico de Madrid at the Coliseum, with Atleti aiming to assert dominance after losing to Getafe last season for the first time under Diego Simeone.
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Antoine Griezmann in training.
Atletico, currently fourth, are pushing for top spot, while Getafe fight to break into European places from eighth position.
Although not a traditional derby, this fixture is fiercely competitive due to the close proximity between Pamplona and San Sebastián, just 60 kilometres apart.
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Set for Saturday, expect a passionate atmosphere as both sides aim for bragging rights.
Four pivotal clashes add further excitement
Barcelona’s first match back at the Spotify Camp Nou since May 2023 unfolds on Saturday afternoon.
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Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao preview
Hansi Flick’s side aims to capitalise on the momentum of returning home against seventh-placed Athletic Bilbao in a match rich with historical weight and high expectations.
Sunday features a key duel between Real Betis (5th), eager to solidify European qualification, and Girona (18th), striving to escape relegation after a recent morale-boosting win.
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Antony celebrating a goal for Real Betis | Imago
League leaders Real Madrid face a stern test away at Elche, a newly promoted side unbeaten at home this season.
Xabi Alonso’s Los Blancos led by in-form Kylian Mbappe will need their best performance to secure victory.
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Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe is in fine form. | Credit: IMAGO
The weekend concludes Monday night with a high-drama match in Barcelona featuring two Nigerian stars: Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams, both of whom scored for Nigeria during the recent international break, are set to feature for Sevilla.
Espanyol, chasing a European spot, hasn’t beaten Sevilla since 2017, adding spice to this eagerly anticipated encounter.
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With local pride, European dreams, and relegation battles on the line, LaLiga Matchday 13 promises thrilling football action for fans and pivotal moments for all clubs involved.