La Liga Week 18 Schedule, Fixtures, Table & Preview: Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona Lionel Messi Look to Get Back on Track

By Damon Salvadore First Posted: Jan 09, 2015 04:00 PM EST

Soccer fans are gearing up for another exciting week in the Spanish League that is La Liga.

Last week, we saw an unexpected set of events when both Real Madrid and Barcelona lost their games, the first such time that it has occurred this entire season. With Real Madrid losing to Valencia, their record fell to 13-0-3 overall, giving them 39 points. The team did lose the contest (2-1) against Valencia, but Ronaldo continued his scoring ways. With his one goal scored, Ronaldo now has 26 for the season, an eye-popping 11 more than any other player in the league.

Just over 350 miles north in the Spanish city of San Sebastián, Barcelona was taking a beating over their own. Although it's been a disappointing season for Real Sociedad, they continue to spoil everyone's party. In Week 2, they defeated Real Madrid, and they would beat Barcelona in their last game as well in shutout fashion, 1-0. The only goal scored in that game was by Barcelona's own Jordi Alba. Yes, he scored on his own goal.

With that loss, Barcelona dropped to 12-2-3 giving them 38 points for the season. Barcelona is now tied with Atletico Madrid for second place in the standings. And wouldn't you know it, they play each other this week.

This will be the first time Barcelona and Atletico Madrid face each other this season. Barcelona has the superstars that are Lionel Messi and Neymar, but Atletico Madrid is the ultimate team. The defending champions are also 12-2-3 this season. Atletico Madrid will have to win on the road, as this pivotal game will be played at the Camp Nou in Barcelona. These two teams will face off again on May 17 in Week 37.

Real Madrid has a great opportunity this week. With Atletico Madrid and Barcelona facing off, Real Madrid will benefit from one of the top three teams losing or both tying. On top of that, Real Madrid will not have to face a very tough opponent this week, Espanyol. Espanyol has won just five of their 17 games and presently sits in 10th place in the La Liga standings.

Another team to keep an eye on is Valencia. Now in fourth place with 34 points, Valencia has won their last three consecutive games and will play Celta Vigo this weekend. Forward Paco Alcacer leads the Valencia squad with five goals this season.

This week has huge implications for the standings. A loss by Real Madrid would be devastating, and Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are each playing each other for sole possession of second place, maybe even first place. Mario Mandžukić and Messi facing off in Barcelona will definitely highlight the "game of the week" for Week 18.