But as Bilbao proved, when Messi misses, Barca are there to be hit, their insecurities known and ready to be exposed. First, Barca play away at Real Betis on Sunday before two home games against Getafe and Eibar could offer a chance to reset. If they falter, Real Madrid look primed to capitalise even if they were jolted by cup defeat too on Thursday in a 4-3 loss to Real Sociedad. Madrid play away on Sunday at Osasuna. Fixtures (GMT)FridayAlaves v Eibar (2000)SaturdayLevante v Leganes (1200), Getafe v Valencia (1500), Real Valladolid v Villarreal (1730), Atletico Madrid v Granada (2000)SundayEspanyol v Mallorca (1100), Real Sociedad v Athletic Bilbao (1300), Osasuna v Real Madrid (1500), Celta Vigo v Sevilla (1730), Real Betis v Barcelona (2000).

Source: New Strait Times February 07, 2020 12:22 UTC