MADRID, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The first game of the season between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona will get top billing in La Liga this weekend, but there are other matches worth keeping an eye on. Here are some things to watch in Spain this weekend.

1 Real Madrid favorites for first 'Clasico'

Last season was difficult for Real Madrid, in part due to four defeats to Barcelona, including a 4-0 loss at the Santiago Bernabeu and a 5-2 defeat in the Spanish Super Cup.

Hansi Flick's side then won 3-2 in the Copa del Rey final and sealed the La Liga title with a 4-3 win at Montjuic.

After those results, it seems hard to make Real Madrid the favorite for Sunday's first meeting of the new season. However, Xabi Alonso has made his team tougher to beat, and with Kylian Mbappe in outstanding form, it's hard to imagine them not scoring.

2 Doubts over Barcelona defense

One factor in Real Madrid's favor is that Barcelona's defense, so hard to break down last season, looks more vulnerable. Part of the reason was the decision to allow Inigo Martinez to move to Saudi Arabia to reduce the wage bill, with Ronald Araujo less adept at playing a high defensive line.

A second reason is that to play a high line effectively, a team must press well up the pitch. Barcelona did that last season, but injuries to Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Fermin Lopez have lowered the physical level, reducing the pressure and allowing rivals to find passes behind the back four. Mbappe will be optimistic.

Mbappe will be optimistic...

3 Away day blues for Atletico Madrid?

Atletico Madrid visits Betis on Monday sitting fourth, one place above its opponent, but Diego Simeone's side will also be watching the Clasico. A Real Madrid win would open an 11-point lead at the top if Real wins, and nine points if Barcelona wins at the Bernabeu.

Atletico has not won away all season, with one defeat and three draws in La Liga costing nine points, and it has also lost both of its Champions League away games.

Betis may be the toughest of Atletico's away matches so far, but it is one it needs to win to stay in the title hunt.

4 Credit to Caudet

Eduardo Caudet is doing an excellent job as Alaves coach, with the team from Vitoria-Gasteiz currently 10th in La Liga with 12 points from nine games ahead of its weekend match against Rayo Vallecano.

Alaves has moved from long-ball football to a possession-based game, with players such as Denis Suarez and Antonio Blanco giving the team more control in midfield.

That has helped Alaves post La Liga's best defensive record with eight goals conceded all season, and with Carlos Vicente and Lucas Boye in attack, Alaves always has a chance of scoring. ■