Atletico Madrid's Marcos Llorente, top right, scores his side's first goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Feb 4, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

MADRID - First takes on second as Real Madrid entertains Girona in Matchday 24 in Spain's La Liga, meanwhile FC Barcelona should have a straightforward match at home to Granada and Atletico Madrid visits Sevilla. Here are some things to look out for this weekend in Spain.

Absentees a key factor in Santiago Bernabeu

There is a very good chance that Real Madrid will go into the match without any of its four specialist central defenders, with Nacho Fernandez almost certain to miss the game and Antonio Rudiger a major doubt. Although Aurelien Tchouameni will probably drop into defense, Carlo Ancelotti has to decide who will partner him after Dani Carvajal struggled in the role against Atletico Madrid.

Girona will also be missing key players, Daley Blind and Yangel Herrera, while coach Michel Sanchez has to watch from the stands after being sent off last weekend against Real Sociedad.

Real Madrid will look to control the ball, but Girona uses the wings brilliantly and is swift on the break, while the return of Artem Dovbyk will give them extra punch in attack.

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Granada should be easy meat for Barcelona

Granada travels to play FC Barcelona second from bottom of La Liga with just two wins and 12 points all season after suffering three consecutive defeats and conceding an average of just under two goals a game.

Barcelona won 3-1 away to Alaves last weekend, but in the first half, its defense still looked vulnerable to a powerful and direct side, although the return of Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Inigo Martinez should improve them at the back.

Joao Felix, Raphinha and Ferran Torres remain out for Barca, but with Pedri adding spark in midfield and Lamine Yamal impressing on the wing, Xavi Hernandez's side should have enough for a comfortable win.

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior (left) is chased by Girona's Toni Villa during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Oct 30, 2022. (PHOTO / AP)

No rest for Atletico against former coach

The arrival of former Atletico Madrid and Getafe coach Quique Sanchez Flores at Sevilla is yet to spark the desired reaction at the club, who haven't won at home since his arrival. However, victories away to Granada and Rayo Vallecano have lifted Sevilla three points above the relegation zone and they have to build on Monday's win in Vallacas when Atletico Madrid visits on Sunday.

Atletico travels after Athletic Club Bilbao ended its 28-game unbeaten run at home on Wednesday in the Copa del Rey and there are signs of tiredness among a squad that has played 10 matches since January 3rd and has not let up until the end of the month, with the return leg of the cup and a Champions League tie against Inter Milan to look forward to.

Sevilla has been poor at home, but a tired Atletico Madrid could give them the chance of three vital points.

A chance for Almeria to break their luck?

Almeria remains bottom of La Liga with just six points from 23 matches and not even the most optimistic of their supporters believes they can avoid relegation. However, despite their dreadful numbers, Gaizka Garitano's side have improved under his guidance and he will look on Monday's visit of his former club, Athletic Club Bilbao, as a chance for that first win.

Athletic travels to Almeria after winning an intense Copa del Rey clash 1-0 away to Atletico Madrid, with Nico Williams and Gorka Guruzeta doubts through injury and with coach Ernesto Valverde likely to make changes.

If the visitors lose focus due to their Cup exploits, this could be Almeria's chance.