Dani Olmo struck twice for Barcelona on his first start after an injury absence as they beat local rivals Espanyol 3-1 on Sunday to move nine points clear at the top of La Liga.

Defending champions Real Madrid are set to host archrivals Barcelona in a LaLiga game at the Santiago Bernabeu tonight.

Kylian Mbappe's start at Real Madrid has been satisfactory, his performances neither spectacular nor underwhelming, but Saturday's La Liga Clasico offers the French superstar a springboard to kick on from.

Real Madrid duo Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo are likely to miss the Clasico clash with La Liga leaders Barcelona on Saturday with injury problems.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Monday he wants striker Kylian Mbappe to focus on scoring goals over pressing to help the team.

Robert Lewandowski's first-half hat-trick guided LaLiga leaders Barcelona to a 3-0 win away at Deportivo Alaves on Sunday as the Polish striker extended his lead at the top of the league's scoring charts.

Two absolute screamers -- from Federico Valverde and Vinicius Junior -- helped Real Madrid bounce back from their first defeat since January with a 2-0 win over Villarreal on Saturday in LaLiga.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Friday that two of the main factors behind his team's poor play this season are "lack of intensity in defence and slow ball circulation".

Real Madrid named Kylian Mbappe in their squad to face Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday after he missed one match with a thigh injury.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has suffered a muscle injury, the LaLiga club said on Wednesday, casting doubt over the French international's participation in the weekend derby against Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick backed reserve goalkeeper Inaki Pena to replace stricken team-mate Marc-Andre ter Stegen on Tuesday, but also said the club must discuss if they will sign a replacement.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Monday his team's "many styles" of play have helped them go 38 La Liga matches without defeat.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen will have surgery on a ruptured knee tendon, the Catalan club said Monday, with the club's captain potentially sidelined for the rest of the season.

Vinicius Junior's decisive impact helped Real Madrid come from behind to beat a determined Espanyol side 4-1 on Saturday and move a point behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti on Friday brushed aside criticism of his side's unattractive style, saying winning was more important than playing well.

The format may be new, but few would bet against the winner staying the same.

Brazil winger Raphinha scored a hattrick as Barcelona thrashed Real Valladolid 7-0 on Saturday to make it four wins from four in La Liga under new coach Hansi Flick.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Thursday there was no excuse for his side's slow start to the LaLiga season after the team fought back to rescue a 1-1 draw at lowly Las Palmas thanks to a Vinicius Jr goal late in the second half.

A late goal by new signing Dani Olmo gave Barcelona a nervy 2-1 comeback victory at Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday, as the LaLiga leaders continued their perfect start to the season with a third consecutive win.

Barcelona were finally able to register new signing Dani Olmo with La Liga on Tuesday and he is expected to make his debut later on against Rayo Vallecano.