MADRID :LaLiga pacesetters Real Madrid and Barcelona will aim to bounce back from midweek Champions League setbacks as they return to LaLiga action this weekend, looking to rebuild confidence ahead of a two-week international break.

Leaders Real, who have 30 points after 11 matches, hold a five-point lead over second-placed Barcelona.

However, inconsistency against stronger opponents has led to criticism of manager Xabi Alonso’s rotation policy, and the team will look to steady the ship when they visit local rivals Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio de Vallecas on Sunday.

Real suffered a humbling 1-0 defeat at Liverpool on Tuesday, with Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois delivering a stellar performance to prevent a heavier loss.

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