The restart of the season was announced by the Spanish National Sports Council on the 29th of May after the suspension of matches over two months ago.
The current campaign was paused after the matchday 27 with FC Barcelona occupying the first position on the log, leading Real Madrid with just two points ahead.
Ahead of the return on the 11th of June, Oltsports correspondant Afolabi Kehinde Hassan, takes a look at seven things to expect when the league resumes.
1. Matches to be played at empty Stadiums
Fans will be unable to attend stadiums to watch matches due to the preventive measures that football has taken in order to prevent the spreading of the Coronavirus.
When asked whether fans could attend stadiums to watch live matches, president of Spanish National Sports Council Irene Lozano said to Cadena SER via AS on Tuesday: “It is impossible. The integrity of the competition must be respected.”
“There are many considerations in this regard, but the most essential is sports. Respect the integrity of the competition.
2. Five substitutions per team
In order to aid the return of matches and help players cope with the threat of Coronavirus, teams have been allowed to make five substitutions in a match by the International Football Association Board.
The IFAB statement said: “The temporary amendment comes into force with immediate effect, and has been made as matches may be played in a condensed period in different weather conditions, both of which could have impacts on player welfare.”
The rule will only be used for the current La Liga campaign and will not be applicable to the 2020-21 season.
3. Injured and ruled out of the season players might return
Players who have been ruled out of the current campaign due to injuries might return to take part in the remainder of the season. It will be a huge boost for Real Madrid to have Marco Asensio back on their team list.
4. Due contracts will be extended for finish the season
Players with expired contracts and due loans are expected to continue playing until the season is concluded.
Players like Martin Odegaard, Areola, Etebo, Anguissa and more, whose loan deals will due later this month will extend their stay while the same is expected of players like Santi Cazorla, Ezequiel Garay and other stars whose contracts expires.
5. More headaches for Zidane and Bale
It is possible that Marco Asensio returns to play a part in the current campaign and that might birth more scenario between Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane and Gareth Bale.
The Welshman did not have a good relationship with the manager who is always reluctant to player the 30year old. Now with Asensio retournons, it could completely limit Bale’s involvement in matches for the remaining of the season.
6. Barcelona and Real Madrid resumes battle
With two points between the two and both legs of El Classico played, Real Madrid and Barcelona will be looking to avoid unnecessary slip in order to keep their respective chance of winning the league alive. The battle might last till the last matchday of the season.
7. Matches will be unpredictable
Shocking results should be expected as teams might be lacking understanding while some players will lack fitness too thereby making the results go either way.
Most teams will be fighting to avoid relegation as only nine points separate 15th and 20th. The fact that the results could go anywhere might present the best opportunity for relegation threaten teams to move out of danger.
