Liga Sunday Preview: The Battle Of The Benitez's
The two Benitez' come head to head as Rayo Vallecano host Valencia. Since Fernando Vasquez was fired, Rayo have picked up four just points from a possible 12 and only Recreativo sit below them. It is not necessarily these type of games that Gustavo Benitez' side should be targeting for points, but rather the ones against those teams in and around the drop zone. Unfortunately, the Madrid side's upcoming fixture list does not look too welcoming, as they must face Celta, Depor, Atletico and Real. Rafa Benitez's Valencia enter this match off the back of an invaluable 1-0 Champions League win at AS
The two Benitez' come head to head as Rayo Vallecano host Valencia. Since Fernando Vasquez was fired, Rayo have picked up four just points from a possible 12 and only Recreativo sit below them. It is not necessarily these type of games that Gustavo Benitez' side should be targeting for points, but rather the ones against those teams in and around the drop zone. Unfortunately, the Madrid side's upcoming fixture list does not look too welcoming, as they must face Celta, Depor, Atletico and Real. Rafa Benitez's Valencia enter this match off the back of an invaluable 1-0 Champions League win at AS Roma on Tuesday and an impressive run in the league that has seen go six games without defeat.
Real Sociedad need to put theier conspiracy theories behind them and get back to winning ways in the Basque derby against Osasuna in the Anoeta. Raynald Denoueix's side have failed to win in their last three outings and have now been overtaken by Real Madrid at the top of the table. But instead of accepting that they are going through a lull because of a loss of form, La Real have been claiming that a dark hand is working against them. Osasuna, meanwhile, are on the up and will be looking to record only their second away victory of the season. A win could lift them into the top half of the table and kickstart a concerted effort to win a chance to play in Europe next season.
Celta Vigo will be hoping to take advantage of Malaga's Uefa Cup exploits in midweek as they travel to La Rosaleda. The Galicians look favourites for a Uefa Cup spot, but will be aiming to bridge the six point gap between themselves and a place in the Champions League. Malaga are lodged in mid-table and a victory would ensure them that they wil not spend the remainder of the season fighting relegation.
Recreativo will do well to record only their fourth victory of the current campaign as Atletico de Madrid arrive in the Nuevo Colombino. Luis Alcaraz's side are 11 points from safety and only a miracle will prevent them from an immediate return to the second division. Atletico are just four points behind a Uefa Cup spot and have shown the gulf in class between themselves and their hosts, with whom they were promoted last season.
In Sunday's other games Mallorca entertain Athletic Bilbao, Espanyol travel to Sevilla and Villarreal welcome Racing Santander.