Barcelona is “wounded” and Madrid is “shaken” before the 14th round of the Spanish League

Barcelona, ​​the defending champion, and Real Madrid, the leaders in the standings, are looking forward to regaining confidence after a shaky week, when the former hosts Alaves today (at 7:15 UAE time), while the latter will visit Girona tomorrow (at 12 pm) in the 14th stage.

The Catalan giant suffered a harsh loss at the hands of English club Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, 3-0, last Tuesday, while the “Merengue” defense faced a difficult night against its Greek host, Olympiacos, by conceding three goals. However, a “super hat-trick” quadruple from its French star, Kylian Mbappé, saved the situation and emerged victorious away from home (4-3).

After the heavy loss in London, Barcelona coach, German Hansi Flick, seemed in a state of confusion as he searched for any positive aspect that could be held on to, and he told reporters: “I see how we train, the quality, the intensity. “It’s completely different than it was about six weeks ago.”

He added: “The players are returning, which raises the level of quality in training. I have a good feeling about that and I am optimistic.”

This was the first time that the Blaugrana did not succeed in scoring during the current year.

One of the positives that Flick is counting on is the return of Brazilian Rafinha, who participated from the bench in recent matches, which may give him the opportunity to contribute to a greater role during the confrontation with Alaves, which will be held at the renovated “Camp Nou” stadium.