Barcelona and Real Madrid resume one of the tightest title races in recent memory when the Spanish top flight kicks back into action this week in empty stadiums. There are 11 rounds more to play. The Telegraph gives you a low down on the title race, the stars and more.

Two-horse title race

Barcelona have their nose ahead of Real Madrid by two points. Real beat Barca in March and drew Lionel Messi’s side in December. That means Real have the head-to-head advantage. So if they finish the season on level on points, Real would be the winners.

Fighting for top-4 finish

Four teams go to next season’s Champions League. With the top two spots, barring a major upset, almost certain to be taken by Barcelona and Real Madrid, the race for the two remaining places will be intense. Five teams are within five points of each other. Sevilla and Real Sociedad are in the third and fourth position, respectively. But Atletico Madrid and Valencia are snapping at their heels. Also watch out for Getafe, currently in fifth place.

Battle to beat the drop

Every team can still earn safety in Spain. Espanyol are currently last with 20 points, but they need just two wins to climb out of the relegation zone. Slightly ahead of Espanyol are Leganes and Mallorca, who are very much within striking distance of survival. Then you have Celta Vigo. They have the talent but tend to flirt with relegation.

Big names have a point to prove

Before La Liga was suspended, Barca striker Luis Suarez and Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard looked set to miss the rest of the season with injuries. Now, both have the chance to respond to critics on the pitch. Suarez’s form has been erratic but Barca, and especially Lionel Messi, thrive when the Urguayan is around in the attacking third. Hazard has not enjoyed success at Madrid like he did at Chelsea with one goal in just 10 league appearances. The Belgian can now help Zinedine Zidane’s side win a first league title in three years. Madrid’s crosstown rivals, Atletico, also have one non-performing asset in Joao Felix. The Portuguese youngster would like to prove his critics wrong.

The Messi Factor

Barcelona head coach Quique Setien said he did not have “any doubts” over Lionel Messi’s fitness as the superstar captain prepares to face Real Mallorca on Saturday.

Rising stars

Ferran Torres of Valencia, Ansu Fati of Barcelona and Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr are some of the promising players who will be watched.

The Heat is on

Apart from Covid-19, heat will be biggest concern for the teams. There will be water breaks in each half. The league has pushed for early and late kick-off times, 6.30pm local time (10pm IST) and 10pm (1.30am IST).

Five subs

Like Bundesliga, La Liga teams will be allowed to make five substitutions for the rest of the season, which will also help keep people hydrated and fresh.

Testing Protocols

Players and officials will undergo coronavirus tests 24 hours before games and have their temperatures taken on way to stadiums.

Match today: Sevilla vs Real Betis (Friday, 1.30am IST)