State of play in Europe

With Europe’s major leagues kicking off again after the winter break, we take a look at who’s in title contention.

What’s the situation in Spain and could there be surprises in France, Germany and Italy?

Here’s a round-up of how things stand…

Spain

Last season’s runners-up Real Madrid currently lead the pack as La Liga gets back underway. Zinedine Zidane’s side are unbeaten in the league this season and welcome struggling Granada in Saturday’s early kick-off, looking to further extend their three-point lead over Barcelona.

Los Blancos also hold a one-game advantage over their Catalan rivals, who have won their last two league games following three consecutive draws and return to action on Sunday as they travel to Villarreal – live on Sky Sports 2HD.

Meanwhile, Atletico have seemingly been pegged back this campaign after finding themselves as one of the ‘top three’ for the last four seasons. They face a tricky trip to Eibar, while Sevilla and Real Sociedad have both won four of their last six games hoping to build on last season’s seventh and ninth place finishes, respectively.

Valencia, who saw coach Cesare Prandelli resign during the winter break, will hope to break out of the rut that has seen them go without a league win since 16 October; Osasuna, meanwhile, have lost six La Liga fixtures on the bounce, scoring just once.

France

Paris Saint-Germain’s tight grip on the Ligue 1 title finally looks to be loosening. Champions for the past four seasons, PSG have already registered …

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