Real Madrid will put its LaLiga lead to the test with a crucial visit to Cornellà, where it will face an Espanyol side desperate for points to escape the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Barcelona hosts Alavés at Montjuïc, and Atlético Madrid looks to bounce back against a struggling Mallorca.

Real Madrid Visits Espanyol Aiming to Extend Lead

Following the final matchday of the Champions League group stage and with the Copa del Rey quarterfinals on the horizon, LaLiga enters Matchday 22 with Real Madrid in top form. Carlo Ancelotti’s squad holds a four-point lead over Atlético Madrid and a seven-point advantage over Barcelona.

Los Blancos have won four consecutive league matches and will aim to maintain their gap ahead of the highly anticipated Madrid derby on February 8 at the Santiago Bernabéu. With Kylian Mbappé in outstanding form, Real Madrid faces an Espanyol side that has taken four points from its last two matches but remains in the relegation zone.

Atlético Madrid vs. Mallorca: A Clash of Struggling Sides

Diego Simeone’s team enters this fixture following a loss to Leganés and a draw against Villarreal, halting their impressive 15-game unbeaten streak. Now, Atlético welcomes a Mallorca side in freefall, having suffered four consecutive defeats across the Supercopa, Copa del Rey, and LaLiga.

The Bermellones, who recently occupied European spots, are desperate to break their losing streak, while Atlético must secure points to stay in the title race with Real Madrid.

Barcelona vs. Alavés: No Room for Error at Montjuïc

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona continues to struggle and cannot afford more setbacks. After drawing against Getafe in their last outing, the Catalans need a home victory against an Alavés side fighting for survival.

Barcelona recently thrashed Valencia 7-1 at Montjuïc, but Alavés, sitting just above the relegation zone, will be eager to spring a surprise.

Other Key Matchups in LaLiga Matchday 22

• Leganés vs. Rayo Vallecano: The Madrid derby kicks off the matchday, featuring two in-form teams. Rayo comes off an impressive comeback win over Girona, while Leganés has been a giant killer, defeating Barcelona and Atlético and earning a draw at San Mamés against Athletic Club.
• Real Sociedad vs. Osasuna: Real Sociedad seeks redemption after a humiliating 0-3 defeat to Getafe but faces a tough challenge at El Sadar.
• Betis vs. Athletic Club: A crucial clash for Betis before their Copa del Rey showdown against Barcelona.
• Villarreal vs. Valladolid: The Yellow Submarine hopes to capitalize on last-place Valladolid’s struggles, as the team continues to falter despite the midseason arrival of Argentine coach Diego Cocca.
• Valencia vs. Celta Vigo: In desperate need of points, Valencia hosts a Celta side also battling to escape the relegation zone.
• Getafe vs. Sevilla: José Bordalás’ Getafe aims to cap off a stellar January with another strong home performance, having secured four wins and a draw at the Coliseum this month.

LaLiga Supports World Cancer Day

As part of this matchday, all players will wear a green ribbon on their jerseys in support of World Cancer Day, highlighting football’s commitment to social causes.