La Liga Match Preview: Real Sociedad Hopes of Champions League While Barcelona Aims for Top Two Finish

• Real Sociedad and Barcelona will square off in a La Liga clash that promises to entertain because of what's at stake
• The league title is almost out of reach for the visiting Barca, but a runners-up finish following an almost disastrous early season would be a nice ending to it
• Sociedad probably has a lot more to play for, with the promise of a UEFA Champions League spot motivating them towards a strong finish to the campaign

Real Sociedad will meet Barcelona in a key La Liga encounter at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian tonight.

The visitors will look to shake off the effects of a costly last seven days during which they were knocked out of the UEFA Europa League and saw their slim title hopes evaporate. The hosts, on the other hand, are in with a good chance of finishing the season in a UEFA Champions League spot.

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Xavi Hernandez' charges currently sit in third place on the table with 60 points, one behind Atletico Madrid, but having two games in hand. If Barca was to win these matches, they'd still be 12 points behind runaway log leaders Real Madrid, which is on 78, five points away from clinching the title.

Sociedad will definitely have a go at their more illustrious opponents taking into account what's at stake. Imanol Alguacil's men are in sixth spot on 55 points, five behind Sevilla who are on 60 in fourth place. Nothing but a victory against a slightly vulnerable Barcelona will do if Sociedad wants to qualify for the most prestigious tournament in club football.

A brace from Martin Braithwaite and one goal each from Sergi Roberto and Gerard Pique were enough for a 4-2 win in the corresponding fixture last August on the opening day. Julen Lobete Mikel Oyarzabal were on the scoresheet for the visitors at the Nou Camp that night.

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Real Madrid beat resilient Osasuna side in La Liga, Karim Benzema has two penalties saved in the second half

A mixture of bad luck and self-imposed mistakes led to Osasuna suffering a 2-1 loss against Real Madrid.

As reported on Sports Brief, Osasuna started on the front foot, pressing Madrid and rushing them into making mistakes.

The hosts had a few half-chances in the first 10 minutes but found themselves behind at the 12th-minute mark.