MADRID, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The seventh round of La Liga matches will feature the highly anticipated derby between Atletico and Real Madrid. Here are four things to look forward to this weekend.

1. Biggest test yet for Real Madrid

While Real Madrid has begun the season with six consecutive wins, it's important to note that several of these victories were against recently promoted teams (Oviedo and Levante), as well as rivals struggling in the bottom three (Mallorca and Real Sociedad), Osasuna, and Espanyol - who traditionally struggle in Madrid.

The upcoming match at the Metropolitano presents the toughest challenge yet for Xabi Alonso's side and will offer a clearer insight into their title prospects.

2. Must-win game for Atletico Madrid

Julian Alvarez's hat-trick on Wednesday against Rayo Vallecano stopped Atletico Madrid from slipping further off the top of the table, but Diego Simeone's team still goes into this match nine points behind its rival after just six games in La Liga.

A win for Atletico would cut that gap to six points and provide a morale boost, while a loss would leave Real Madrid 12 points ahead. Simeone recalled that his team overcame a 10-point gap against FC Barcelona before Christmas last season, but recovering from a 12-point deficit against a consistent team like Real Madrid is a daunting task.

For Spain's biggest spenders, being effectively out of the title race before the end of September is unacceptable.

3. Barca to watch derby closely before returning to Montjuic

FC Barcelona swaps the Johan Cruyff Stadium for Montjuic to play Real Sociedad as work on the Camp Nou continues to fall further behind schedule.

Concerns surround the Montjuic pitch, which recently hosted rock concerts. Barca coach Hansi Flick will also need to consider squad rotations with next week's Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain in mind.

Jules Kounde, Gerard Martin and Robert Lewandowski are all likely to start in a game that could take Barca to the top of the table if Real Madrid drop points at the Metropolitano Stadium.

4. Big game for Mallorca coach Arrasate

It's been a difficult season start for Mallorca coach Jagoba Arrasate, whose side remains without a win and firmly in the relegation zone after a midweek defeat to Real Sociedad.

That loss was especially disappointing as Real Sociedad was also looking for its debut win and Arrasate was annoyed at what he called his side's "worst" performance of the season.

Mallorca is now set to host Alaves, who come off victories in Bilbao and a draw in Getafe under coach Eduardo Coudet, who emphasizes an energetic passing style.

Home fans will view this as a winnable match, but another setback could mean that after doing a good job last season, Arrasate's job is in danger. ■