Madrid (AFP)

Atlético Madrid, undefeated leader of the Spanish Championship, travels to Real Madrid on Saturday during the shock of the 13th day, while FC Barcelona must absolutely win Sunday against Levante to start its rise in the standings.

If the Madrid derby, usually hot, will take place behind closed doors in the small Alfredo Di Stéfano stadium, located in the facilities of the Real training center, the stakes are nonetheless crucial.

Sacred champions for the last time in 2014, Diego Simeone's players, who, despite one game less, have six points ahead of Real (4th), have the opportunity to send a message to all their pursuers.

The reigning champion undoubtedly saved the head of his trainer Zinédine Zidane by snatching his ticket to the knockout stages of the Champions League in extremis thanks to a home success on Wednesday against Borussia Mönchengladbach (2-0) on a double of Karim Benzema.

Atlético also obtained its sesame for the rest of the C1 by winning Wednesday in Austria against RB Salzburg (2-0).

Real Sociedad, 2nd at one point from the "Colchoneros", seems able to take back the lead of the championship in the event of a poor performance by Joao Felix's teammates, because it receives Sunday Eibar, 11th.

David Silva and his family will nevertheless be wary since this other representative of flourishing Basque football has obtained his three victories this season each time away, against Betis, Sevilla and Valladolid.

Defeated Tuesday at Camp Nou by Juventus of Cristiano Ronaldo (3-0) in C1, FC Barcelona, ​​9th already 12 points behind the leader, has no room for error when Levante, 17th.

"In La Liga, we are not where we want to be, but we can collect points and that is the goal for the next few weeks," said goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen.

"We are playing at home and no point can escape us," warned the German international in anticipation of the meeting against Levante on Sunday at Camp Nou, while Barça remains on a gloomy defeat in the league in Cadiz (2- 1).

On Sunday, Unai Emery's Villarreal, convincing 3rd, made a perilous trip to Andalusia at Sevilla Betis, which has not yet recorded a draw this season (5 wins, 7 losses).

Program of the 13th day of the Spanish championship (GMT hours):

Friday:

(8:00 p.m.) Valladolid - Osasuna

Saturday:

(1:00 p.m.) Valencia - Athletic Bilbao

(3.15 p.m.) Getafe - Seville

(5.30 p.m.) Huesca - Alavés

(8:00 p.m.) Real Madrid - Atlético Madrid

Sunday:

(1:00 p.m.) Real Sociedad - Eibar

(3:15 p.m.) Real Betis - Villarreal

(5.30 p.m.) Elche - Granada

(8:00 p.m.) FC Barcelona - Levante

Monday:

(8:00 p.m.) Celta Vigo - Cadiz

© 2020 AFP