Real Madrid and Barcelona seek LaLiga solace after European setbacks

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.

Despite his heroics, the defeat highlighted concerns about Real’s ability to compete at the highest level in Europe. The result dampened the optimism generated by their hard-fought 2-1 El Clasico victory over visiting Barca two weeks ago.

Alonso, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti in May, has guided Real to 18 wins in 21 matches across all competitions.

However, defeats by Paris St Germain, Atletico Madrid, and Liverpool, coupled with tactical decisions such as the sparing use of high-profile signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Endrick, have led to questions over Alonso's approach.

“It was a very demanding, high-paced match and we lacked a bit more threat to cause damage in the final third,” Alonso said after the loss to Liverpool following Alexis Mac Allister's header just past the hour mark following a free-kick.

“Thibaut held firm but that goal gave them the advantage and then we struggled a bit. There's nothing to reproach the team for. It's still November. (On Tuesday) there were things that were