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Friday 7. December 2001 - 12:07

Spanish first division matches, Dec 8-9

Barcelona are looking to teenage striker Javier Saviola to help them end a barren month in the league as they face Celta Vigo at the Nou Camp on Sunday.

The Catalan club have dropped off the pace in recent weeks after taking just one point in their last three outings. They are now in eighth place, four points adrift of leaders Alaves, who dealt them a comprehensive 2-0 defeat last time out.

Barca went on to produce a typically schizophrenic performance in Wednesday's Champions League match against Galatasaray.

Struggling to string together passes and unable to launch any convincing moves in attack, they deservedly trailed the Turkish side 2-0 at halftime.

But the second half was a different story as Barca laid siege to the Turkish goal. Substitute Marc Overmars was the catalyst as his pace saw him carve open the Galatasaray defence, but it was Saviola who provided the finishing touches.

The 19-year-old Argentine twice cracked home from close range in the first 20 minutes and was unfortunate not to sneak another in the last quarter.

With Patrick Kluivert suspended, Saviola will once again get a chance to prove his worth, this time against a Celta side who have rediscovered their form after a wretched run since their elimination from the UEFA Cup at the beginning of November.

The Galicians, who are the league's top scorers, have scored seven times on their last two outings and, with the return of midfield playmaker Alexander Mostovoi, will provide a tough test for Carles Rexach's side.

Other matches being played this weekend.
Saturday:

SEVILLA vs. ATHLETIC BILBAO

It has been Bilbao's impressive away form that has propelled them up the table into fourth place, just a point behind leaders Alaves. With powerful centre forward Ismael Urzaiz leading the first division scoring tables on eight goals, the Basques will be favourites to notch another win against the gritty Andalucians.

TENERIFE vs. REAL MADRID

After a poor start to the season, Real have hit a rich vein of form, racking up five victories in the last six games and now trailing leaders Alaves by just two points.

Having lost two league titles there on the last day of the season in the early 1990s, Tenerife has never been a favourite destination for Real. But, with the islanders's missing Argentine striker Bruno Marioni through suspension, Real will be optimistic of recording a win this time out.

Sunday:

DEPORTIVO CORUNA vs. VALENCIA

Deportivo will be relieved to return to their Riazor stadium after slumping to their fourth successive away defeat in the league last week and then crashing to a 3-0 loss at Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.

Despite a number of injury worries, Valencia will be awkward opponents and, although they have been lacking fire power up front, their defence has been tight this term.

REAL ZARAGOZA vs. ALAVES

Last week's 2-0 victory against Barcelona sent Alaves top of the first division for the first time in 71 years and, given Zaragoza's poor form at home, they should have a good chance of retaining the number one spot for another week. Magno Mocelin is suspended but Jordi Cruyff returns after recovering from an ankle injury.

VILLARREAL vs. ESPANYOL

Villarreal still appeared to be recovering from the shock of Martin Palermo's serious ankle injury as they slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Celta last week. Romanian striker Gica Craioveanu is favourite to partner Victor in attack against the Catalans. Espanyol will be boosted by their win over former leaders Deportivo last week.

REAL MALLORCA vs. MALAGA

Elimination from the UEFA Cup may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Mallorca. It has been clear that their injury-hit squad has not been able to cope with the simultaneous demands of European and domestic competition. Malaga are missing leading striker Dario Silva, who is suspended after his sending off in last week's 1-0 win over Real Sociedad.

RAYO VALLECANO vs. LAS PALMAS

The outlook is increasingly bleak for Rayo who are now four points adrift at the bottom of the table. But coach Gregorio Manzano can take some hope from the fact Las Palmas have only won once away from home this season and that new signing Elvir Baljic managed to get on the score sheet last week.

OSASUNA vs. VALLADOLID

Last week's 2-1 defeat at Real Madrid leaves Osasuna with just 15 points in as many outings and they lie third from bottom in the standings. In theory a victory against Valladolid should be within their reach, but the Castilians will have been boosted by their confident 3-1 at Rayo.

REAL SOCIEDAD vs. REAL BETIS

John Toshack's side, playing far better than their lowly position would suggest, have not had the rub of the green so far this season. Their run of bad luck continued this week when they had to shelve the signing of Nihat Kahveci after the Turkish international failed a medical. Betis's 1-0 win over Tenerife pushed them into second place and, with Denilson and Joaquin both in fine form, they are sure to prove a handful for the Basques.  
Provided by: Frank Henriksen
 
 
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