体坛英语新闻：Spanish La Liga kicks off after Christmas break

MADRID, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish La Liga returns to action this weekend following the Christmas break with several sides hoping the fortnight's inactivity can change their fortunes, while others hoping a weekend off will have done nothing to interrupt their form.

The standout game of the weekend sees Real Madrid travel to Valencia's Mestalla Stadium on Sunday afternoon for what is without doubt one off their toughest away trips of the season against a rival who have ambitions of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

Real Madrid may have lost a friendly game to AC Milan in Dubai over the holidays, but have won their last 22 matches in all competitions and a win in Valencia would leave their rivals wondering just where Carlo Ancelotti's men could drop points.

Atletico Madrid get the ball rolling in 2015 at home to Levante. The game should serve as a prelude to the return of Fernando Torres, who, all being well, will be presented to the fans in the Vicente Calderon the following morning once the Italian transfer window has opened.

Mario Mandzukic and Koke will return after suspension and Atletico should take all three points to give them a morale boost before receiving Real Madrid in the Kings Cup next Wednesday.

Saturday also sees Sevilla back in action against Celta Vigo. Sevilla have serious ambitions of a top-four finish, while Celta are one of the teams hoping for a change of fortunes in the New Year after a miserable run of six games without scoring a single goal.

Villarreal in contrast ended 2014 on a high and will be optimistic of strengthening their claim for a top-four finish when they visit bottom side of the table Elche, whose coach, Fran Escriba, is another coach under pressure due to bad results, all be it with a limited squad.

Meanwhile Athletic Club Bilbao have forwards Aritz Aduriz and Iker Muniain suspended for their visit to struggling Deportivo la Coruna, while Malaga will hope to carry their excellent 2014 form over into the New Year as they entertain relegation threatened Almeria in a southeast coast derby.

Real Sociedad coach David Moyes faces his biggest game in charge since taking over n San Sebastian as Barcelona visit the Anoeta Stadium on Sunday.

Barca have been getting results without looking entirely convincing as their attacking trio of Neymar, Luis Suarez and Leo Messi has helped to cover over shortcomings in defense and midfield. However, the Catalans would do well to remember that although Real Sociedad have struggled this campaign, two of their home wins have come against Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid with Carlos Vela approaching his top form.

Elsewhere there is a south Madrid derby between Getafe and Rayo Vallecano and Eibar will be optimistic of continuing their fantastic first season in the top flight away to Espanyol, who as always will look to striker, Sergio Garcia for inspiration and goals.