MADRID, Dec. 20 -- The last round of matches in the Liga Santander before the Christmas holidays will not see Real Madrid in action, giving their rivals at the top of the table the chance to open the gap over Santiago Solari's side.

Real Madrid's commitments in the Club World Cup in the UAE mean their scheduled game against struggling Villarreal has been postponed until January 3rd, but there should still be plenty to enjoy as Spain prepares for the break.

The round of matches kicks off with two games on Friday as Girona, who have lost their last two games, entertain Getafe, who have moved to the edge of qualifying for Europe after recent results.

Their last victims, Real Sociedad are also in action on Friday with a Basque derby at home to Alaves.

Alaves have dropped to sixth in the table after four games without a win, but will be optimistic of a positive result in the Anoeta Stadium where 'La Real' have only one win all season.

The big game on Saturday sees FC Barcelona look to end 2018 on a high as they entertain Celta Vigo. Barca have scored 9 goals in their last two games (4-0 away to Espanyol and 5-0 away to Levante) and have Leo Messi in outstanding form.

The Argentinean picked up the European Golden Boot away for 2018 during the week and his five goals in Barca's last 2 games have taken him to 14 league goals so far for this campaign, to which he can also add 10 assists.

The only issue for Barca coach Ernesto Valverde is in defense where Samuel Umtiti, Sergi Roberto and Thomas Vermaelen are all sidelined through injury.

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