BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Real Madrid will aim to bounce back from a loss at Liverpool when it crosses the Spanish capital to play Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Sunday.

Madrid was riding high after recently beating Barcelona in the clasico until Liverpool manhandled Xabi Alonso’s side in the Champions League on Tuesday. Liverpool won only 1-0 thanks to the goalkeeping of Thibaut Courtois.

Barcelona visits Celta Vigo also on Sunday looking to improve its defense after it needed a stellar performance by Lamine Yamal to salvage a 3-3 draw at Club Brugge midweek.

“We are Barça and have the obligation to always win,” Yamal said. “But now we must think about the next league game.”

Key matches

Madrid leads Barcelona by five points atop La Liga before it visits Rayo, which is in 10th place.

Alo

See Full Page