A welcome return at the Wanda, while Barca look to build on Classico win in Spain

MADRID, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Liga Santander gets back into action this weekend following the Christmas break with Barcelona looking to consolidate their place at the top of the table, while Real Madrid face a difficult away game and Atletico Madrid fans welcome back an old hero.

Atletico start the weekend with a local derby at home to Getafe, who sit comfortably in mid-table and have shown they are hard to break down.

Atletico have struggled at times this campaign to create chances against well-organized defenses and fans in the Wanda Metropolitano stadium will be hoping the return of Diego Costa will give them extra punch in attack.

Costa returned with a goal in the Cup against Lleida on Wednesday night and his partnership with Antoine Griezmann could be decisive if Atletico are to remain in the title race.

Barcelona play at home to Levante on Sunday looking to capitalize on their 3-0 humiliation of Real Madrid before Christmas which left them nine points clear of Atletico and 14 ahead of Real in the league table.

Ernesto Valverde is still without the injured Samuel Umtiti, but Ousmane Dembele can expect minutes against a side that has lost gas after a promising return to the top flight, but who tend to be tough to break down away from home.

Real Madrid meanwhile travel to play Celta Vigo, who took 2 points from the Camp Nou earlier in the season.

Zinedine Zidane came in for heavy criticism following the 'Classico' defeat and will be without the injured Karim Benzema and the suspended Dani Carvajal, although Gareth Bale should be able to start in Vigo.

Celta claimed a morale boosting win away to neighbors Deportivo before Christmas and Real Madrid's defense will have to keep a tight rein on striker Iago Aspas, who is currently playing some of the best football of his career.

There is a good chance Madrid will kick off 17 points behind Barca and it's obvious that anything other than a win would be the definitive 'adios' to any slim title hopes they still retain.

Luciano Vietto could make his debut for Valencia as Marcelino's side entertain Girona on Saturday afternoon. Vietto will go into the side for the suspended Simone Zaza as Valencia look to bounce back after three defeats in four games.

Paco Jemez makes his league debut as Las Palmas coach looking to spark a reaction, although they will find it tough at home to an in-form Eibar, who have five wins and a draw from their last six games.

Meanwhile Vincenzo Montella could not have chosen a tougher match for his debut in the Sevilla dugout as his side entertain Betis in what is perhaps the bitterest of all of Spanish derbies.

Sunday sees Leganes play at home to Real Sociedad, while there is a Basque derby between Athletic Club Bilbao and an improving Alaves, which should be interesting after a pre-season game between the two local rivals ended with an on-field brawl.

Deportivo la Coruna will look to take advantage of Cedric Bakambu's likely absence as they visit sixth place Villarreal, while the round of games ends on Monday with Michel Gonzalez again in the last chance saloon as his side face Espanyol. Enditem