Games offer Atletico, Real chance to open gap on Barca

League leaders Atletico Madrid and second-placed Real Madrid both have a chance to put some distance between themselves and third-placed FC Barcelona in their respective La Liga games on Sunday, reported Xinhua.

Barca's participation in the final of the Copa del Rey against Athletic Club Bilbao means their game corresponding to this weekend won't be played until April 28th, which allows Atletico to put five points between themselves and Ronald Koeman's men if they win their home game against Eibar.

Atletico has seen a 10-point lead at the top of the table cut to just one in recent weeks as they have taken just 13 points from a possible 27, but they should be favorites against a rival that is currently bottom of the table after a disastrous run of 13 games without a win.

Kieran Trippier, Luis Suarez, and Thomas Lemar are all sidelined, while Joao Felix is struggling to recover from an ankle injury and Moussa Dembele is unlikely to play after collapsing in training recently.

Marcos Llorente should give more drive to the Atletico midfield, while Saul Niguez should also start along with Angel Correa in attack for a game Atletico simply has to win.

Real Madrid makes the short trip to Getafe with their morale sky high after beating Barcelona last weekend and then assuring their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Zinedine Zidane's men are unbeaten against Getafe in nine years and the last goal they conceded against them was in March 2018, giving them every reason to be optimistic for Sunday.

Zidane is still without Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, while Lucas Vazquez is out for the rest of the season and he may consider resting either Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, or Casemiro after their recent efforts to ensure they are fit for a busy month ahead.

Meanwhile, Eden Hazard and Dani Carvajal could return after their recent injuries, although Zidane is being especially careful with Hazard after a season ruined by muscle problems.

Real Madrid faces a packed schedule with Sunday's game followed by a midweek trip to Cadiz and a home match against in-form Betis ahead of their Champions League clash with Chelsea, and with tired legs looking to be a certainty, getting points on the board now is vital.