Even more passion than usual is expected in Matchday 6 of the 2023/24 LALIGA EA SPORTS season, given that there are three regional derbies on the schedule and given that there are important fixtures across the weekend.
The Madrid Derby between Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid will capture the world's attention on Sunday night, while there are also clashes between Andalusian neighbours Real Betisand Cádiz CF and between Basque rivals Deportivo Alavés and Athletic Club.
It's the Deportivo Alavés vs Athletic Club game which kicks off the Matchday 6 action, as the clubs from Vitoria-Gasteiz and Bilbao face off on Friday night at Mendizorrotza. Athletic Club haven't won away at their Basque neighbours in more than 20 years, so will be determined to take a victory in this one.
In the first of Saturday's fixtures, Girona FC will look to keep up their very impressive start when welcoming RCD Mallorca to the Estadi Montilivi. The Catalan side have taken 13 points from a possible 15 to begin 2023/24 and are playing a very attacking brand of football, led by new signing Sávio.
CA Osasuna vs Sevilla FC follows and Los Rojillos will approach that match with confidence considering they defeated Sevilla FC on three separate occasions last term, twice in league play and once in the Copa del Rey. With Sergio Ramos now marshalling the Andalusian side's defence, they'll hope for a better return on this occasion.
FC Barcelona then play their third home game of the week, taking on RC Celta at the Estadi Olímpic. Buoyed by Robert Lewandowski's good scoring run, by the emergence of Lamine Yamal and by João Cancelo and João Félix's bright starts to their Barça careers, Los Blaugrana will hope to put on a show and make it five wins in a row in LALIGA EA SPORTS.
On Saturday night, bottom-placed UD Almería will hope to achieve their first win of the season when Valencia CF come to town. Although the Andalusian outfit are bottom with just one point, they've turned in several good performances so far and have certainly been unlucky. Against Los Che, who they collected four points against last season, UD Almería will hope to kickstart their season.
There are five fixtures on Sunday, the first of which is Real Sociedad vs Getafe CF. The duels between Imanol Alguacil and José Bordalás have been very tight over the years, with the former winning three, the latter winning two and there being two draws. It should be a fascinating tactical tussle at the Reale Arena, especially as Geta travel north in a higher position in the standings.
The action then moves to Vallecas, where Rayo Vallecano will host Villarreal CF, looking to make it three wins in a row against El Submarino Amarillo. This is a different Villarreal CF, though, and they started the Pacheta era with a victory last weekend.
There are then two matches taking place simultaneously at the 18:30 CEST time slot on Sunday, one of which is an Andalusian derby between Real Betis and Cádiz CF. Los Amarillos shocked their neighbours from Seville in this fixture last season, winning 2-0 at the Estadio Beníto Villamarín with goals from Rubén Alcaraz and Chris Ramos, so they'll aim for a similar result this time.
Meanwhile, in the Canary Islands, the top two teams from last season's LALIGA HYPERMOTION will meet, as Granada CF pay a visit to UD Las Palmas. Both sides have played well during their return to the top flight, but would like to have more points on the board than they currently do.
At 21:00 CEST on Sunday night, one of the biggest matches of the season will take place at the Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano, as Atlético de Madrid clash with Real Madrid. This rivalry match is so important for local pride and also in the title race, as Atleti look to keep pace with the league leaders. Antoine Griezmann has produced some of his best performances in this fixture in the past and will be the leader for his team once more, going up against Joselu and Jude Bellingham in their first ever Madrid Derby.
