Liga Preview: Betis Host Real, Barca Travel To Bilbao
Undoubtedly the most eagerly awaited clash of round two is Betis-Real Madrid at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera.
Undoubtedly the most eagerly awaited clash of round two is Betis-Real Madrid at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera.
Betis started off like a house on fire against Deportivo La Coruna last week, securing a stunning 4-2 Victory at the Riazor. New midfield sensation Marcos Assuncao had an outstanding game, hitting the bar three times from free-kicks. Ironically the goal that he did score in the first-half came on his weaker left foot. A super strike into the top left-hand corner of Jose Molina's goal.
The Merengues weren't particularly impressive against Espanyol two weeks ago but got the job done thanks to goals from the ever-reliable Ivan Helguera and substitute Steve McManaman.
There is a danger that Real Madrid may have one eye on that huge Champions League clash against Roma next week, although coach Vicente Del Bosque will be doing everything in his power to ensure that his players are focused for this titanic tussle.
Under-fire Louis Van Gaal takes his Barcelona side to the Basque country this weekend for a tough match at Athletic Bilbao.
The Dutchman is under pressure following Barca's 2-2 draw at home to Atletico Madrid two weeks ago and the embarrassing Copa del Rey exit at the hands of Novelda in mid-week.
"We were not ridiculed," said Van Gaal responding to press suggestion that the lower league team had taken the mickey out of his side. "I stand by my players and quite frankly I sympathise with them for having to play on such a small and bumpy pitch."
Bilbao will be looking to recover from their 4-2 derby defeat to Real Sociedad two weeks ago.
Deportivo La Coruna travel to Osasuna surely still shell-shocked from that 4-2 mauling by Betis. Javier Irureta's men were dissected at times by the Southerner's slick forward play, and will need to be on their mettle for this tricky trip to Pamplona. Last season they won this encounter 3-1 thanks to a Diego Tristan hat-trick.
Valencia will be looking to build on their 2-0 opening day win over Mallorca when they face Recreativo Huelva at the Mestella. Ches coach Rafa Benitez has the same set of players as last season, although despite the fact that he hasn't made even one new addition, he still has one of the strongest squads in Europe at his disposal. Except in attack that is, where Valencia still don't have a proven goalscorer.
Atletico Madrid play their first game in the Vicente Calderon for over two years when they entertain Sevilla on Sunday. That super 2-2 draw at Barca must have been a boost to all at the club, even if the side were thoroughly outplayed by their Catalan rivals in the first 45 minutes.
In another of the weekend's intriguing clashes, Celta vigo play host to Mallorca. The Galicians secured a fine 1-0 win at Sevilla in their first match thanks to a goal from Argentine winger Gustavo Lopez. A place in the Uefa Cup must once again be the aim for Miguel Angel Lotina's men. For Mallorca, it may well be another fight against relegation, although the signing of Uruguayan forward Walter Pandiani looks a good one and the former Deportivo man came close to scoring on his debut against Valencia when hitting the bar. His goals may be the difference between Primera Liga and Secunda division football next season.
Elsewhere, Villarreal travel to Valladolid having sacked coach Victor Munoz, Espanyol entertain Real Sociedad, Rayo Vallecano visit Malaga, and Alaves host Santander.