Analysis: Four things to look out for in Spain's matchday 25

MADRID, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Matchday 25 in La Liga arrives with FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid separated by one point at the top, with Athletic Bilbao fourth. Here are some things to look out for this weekend in La Liga.

1. Pity the referee in Real Madrid vs Girona

Referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero has suffered a hate campaign since sending off Jude Bellingham and giving a penalty against Real Madrid in last weekend's 1-1 draw away to Osasuna.

Munuera was forced to close his social media accounts after receiving hundreds of insults and threats to himself and his family online, and the press now report the Spanish Football Federation is even investigating his business interests - finding nothing wrong.

Real Madrid TV published videos attacking his work last weekend and in other games, as the club's campaign against referees has reached a crescendo ahead of Sunday's match at home to Girona.

Whoever officiates that game has seen what has happened to their colleague for giving two decisions against Real Madrid. Can anyone officiate in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium this weekend without being affected and intimidated by that?

2. Barca to confirm improvement in Canary Islands

Las Palmas' thrilling win in Montjuic at the end of November confirmed Barcelona was suffering a dip in form, with Las Palmas well on the road to recovery under new coach Diego Martinez.

Just over two months down the line and Barcelona has returned to the top of the table after a win at home to Rayo Vallecano, with Las Palmas dropping back into the relegation battle after five defeats in six games.

The wheels have come well and truly off the Las Palmas bus in recent weeks, and Saturday's game could show just how fast fortunes can change in football.

The good news for Las Palmas is that with a Copa del Rey semifinal against Atletico Madrid next Tuesday, Barca coach Hansi Flick may make some changes to his starting 11.

3. Valencia against Atletico looks closer than expected

Atletico Madrid visits Valencia's Mestalla Stadium a point off the top of the table, while Valencia is still in the relegation zone.

However, this match could be a lot closer than it looks on paper, as Valencia continue to drag themselves towards safety under Carlos Corberan, as shown by a home win over Leganes and a valuable draw last weekend away to Villarreal.

Atletico has problems in midfield, with Pablo Barrios suspended and Koke out with a muscle injury and Los Colchoneros' big task will be to break down a solid Valencia defense.

4. Rubio takes over in last-chance saloon

Valladolid promoted B-team coach Alvaro Rubio to head coach this week after Diego Cocca became the club's second dismissal of the season.

Rubio takes over with Valladolid eight points adrift from safety and needing to install some fighting spirit.

The new coach had a temporary spell in charge before Cocca was appointed, and actually led Valladolid to two wins in his three games at the helm.

His second debut is a difficult one, with a trip to play Athletic Bilbao, unbeaten in 15 games and with a new hero in new signing Maroan Sannadi. ■