Dec 13 , (V7N) - La Liga's top clubs—Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid—are preparing for key domestic fixtures this weekend after their Champions League exploits, with Atletico catching up to their rivals in form.

Barcelona secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory at Borussia Dortmund to ensure progress to the Champions League knockout phase. Despite the win, they will be wary of their recent dip in form domestically, having won just one of their last five La Liga games. They will host struggling Leganes on Sunday, aiming to arrest their slump.

Real Madrid also triumphed 3-2, away at Atalanta, maintaining their chances of automatic Champions League qualification. However, coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted the match drained his squad, already battling injuries. Madrid now travel to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, with the chance to briefly overtake Barcelona at the top, though they may be without Kylian Mbappe due to a hamstring injury.

Atletico Madrid, three points behind Barcelona with a game in hand, are on a five-match La Liga winning streak. They will face Getafe in a derby on Sunday, looking to extend their impressive form.

Key players include Julian Alvarez, Atletico's top scorer with 12 goals, who has been a pivotal signing following his move from Manchester City. Alongside him, Antoine Griezmann is in excellent form, with seven goals in his last five matches.

Key Fixtures (all times GMT):

Friday: Valladolid v Valencia (2000)

Saturday: Espanyol v Osasuna (1300), Mallorca v Girona (1515), Sevilla v Celta Vigo (1730), Rayo Vallecano v Real Madrid (2000)

Sunday: Atletico Madrid v Getafe (1300), Alaves v Athletic Bilbao (1515), Villarreal v Real Betis, Real Sociedad v Las Palmas (both 1730), Barcelona v Leganes (2000)

With both Barcelona and Real Madrid playing demanding fixtures, Atletico is poised to capitalize on any slip-ups in their pursuit of the La Liga title.

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