The state of play in La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1
2025-01-03
Category: sports

Football has not stopped in the Premier League over the winter period but some of Europe's other big leagues did take a break.Some are returning to action but others have a while longer before playing again. BBC Sport takes a look at the state of play in Spain, Italy, France and Germany at the start of 2025.
Spain: Real Madrid return early aiming to top La Liga 
The full La Liga calendar does not resume until 12 January as teams enjoy their winter break, but Spanish champions Real Madrid are back in action on Friday as they travel to Valencia.The fixture was originally scheduled for early November but was postponed because of the devastating flash floods in Spain.Carlo Ancelotti's side have not shown their best selves this season but have still only lost two La Liga games and will fancy their chances against a Valencia side who have won just two of 17.England midfielder Jude Bellingham was getting into his stride just before the winter break with six goals in seven games, and he will be looking to continue that form into 2025.Valencia, meanwhile, are in the relegation zone but will have former Huddersfield and West Bromwich Albion head coach Carlos Corberan in the dugout on Friday as he faces a difficult task in his first match.Atletico, meanwhile, will be hoping the break does not disrupt their incredible run of form - Diego Simeone's side have won all 12 games since the end of October. They also return to action this weekend but play in the Copa del Rey as they take on Marbella on Saturday. Their next league game is at home to Osasuna on 12 January.Barcelona, who are third, have even longer before their next La Liga game as they travel to Getafe on 18 January. They do play in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup before then.
Italy: Tight at the top in Serie A
Serie A teams played throughout the festive period, with leaders Atalanta drawing with Lazio on 28 December.However, their next league game is not until 11 January, when they travel to Cesc Fabregas' Como, having been in Super Cup action this week.Napoli are second on goal difference, and can take advantage of Atalanta's league break when they travel to Fiorentina on 4 January.Inter Milan are third, just one point behind the top two. Their next league game is at Venezia on 12 January.
Germany: Bayern hope 2025 brings title return
The Bundesliga paused for a winter break on 22 December, and will not resume until 10 January when Borussia Dortmund host defending champions Bayer Leverkusen.Bayern Munich ended 2024 at the top of the table and return on 11 January when they travel to Borussia Monchengladbach.They have a four-point advantage over second-placed Leverkusen as they look to reclaim the top-flight crown.
France: PSG start year in command
Ligue 1 leaders Paris St-Germain are storming towards another title as they start the new year 10 points clear.They have not played a league game since beating Monaco 4-2 on 18 December, and the two sides meet again in the Trophee des Champions on Sunday.PSG resume Ligue 1 action on 12 January when they host Saint-Etienne. 