MADRID, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- La Liga returns this weekend with Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao aiming to maintain their perfect starts, while Atletico Madrid faces a must-win match and Barcelona prepares to play in front of just 6,000 fans. Here are some key storylines to watch in Spain.
1. Ancelotti does Real Madrid a favor
Former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti gave the La Liga leaders a boost during the international break by leaving Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., and Eder Militao out of Brazil's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia. The decision spared them both the matches and the long trip back from South America.
All three will be fresh when Xabi Alonso's Madrid travel to face Real Sociedad, a special occasion for Alonso, who made over 120 appearances for the Basque club and later coached its B-team to promotion.
2. Laporte gives Athletic morale boost
Athletic Bilbao confirmed the signing of defender Aymeric Laporte on Thursday, providing a timely morale boost.
Athletic went into the break with three wins from three matches, though coach Ernesto Valverde will serve a four-game touchline ban following his late sending off against Real Betis.
The squad has also been hit by setbacks: UEFA handed defender Yeray Alvarez a 10-month suspension for accidentally taking a banned substance, Nico Williams picked up a groin injury with Spain, and midfielder Benat Prados suffered a knee injury. Laporte's return should help stabilize the team ahead of Saturday's Basque derby at home to Alaves.
3. Barca plays in 6,000 seat stadium
Barcelona will host Valencia in La Liga at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, which has a capacity of just 6,000. The club failed to secure permission to return to Camp Nou, still under redevelopment.
La Liga granted Barca special approval to use the ground, normally home to its women's and B-teams, despite rules requiring a minimum capacity of 8,000 for top-flight matches.
4. Another vital game for Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has downplayed concerns after his team collected only two points from its first three games. However, the margin for error is already slim, and Saturday's clash against Villarreal at the Metropolitano looms large.
With attacking options such as Nicolas Pepe, Ayoze Perez, and Tajon Buchanan, Villarreal is likely Atletico's toughest opponent so far this season. Simeone can ill afford another slip. ■
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