The full La Liga calendar does not resume until 12 January as teams enjoy their winter break, but Spanish champions Real Madrid are back in action on Friday as they travel to Valencia.
The fixture was originally scheduled for early November but was postponed because of the devastating flash floods in Spain.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have not shown their best selves this season but have still only lost two La Liga games and will fancy their chances against a Valencia side who have won just two of 17.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham was getting into his stride just before the winter break with six goals in seven games, and he will be looking to continue that form into 2025.
Valencia, meanwhile, are in the relegation zone but will have former Huddersfield and West Bromwich Albion head coach Carlos Corberan in the dugout on Friday as he faces a difficult task in his first match.
Atletico, meanwhile, will be hoping the break does not disrupt their incredible run of form – Diego Simeone’s side have won all 12 games since the end of October.
They also return to action this weekend but play in the Copa del Rey as they take on Marbella on Saturday. Their next league game is at home to Osasuna on 12 January.
Barcelona, who are third, have even longer before their next La Liga game as they travel to Getafe on 18 January. They do play in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup before then.
