Liga Weekend Preview: Depor Host Barca, Leaders Sociedad Travel To Real
No doubt about the highlight of this weekend's program – Deportivo's clash with Barcelona at the Riazor.
No doubt about the highlight of this weekend's program – Deportivo's clash with Barcelona at the Riazor.
The defeat of AC Milan in San Siro did much to lift spirits after weeks of gloom, stemming mostly from bad news such as Molina's recurring cancer and Valeron's lengthy injury. It also helped Depor to make it to the next phase of the CL, where they will meet up with Manchester United and Juventus again...
Even though it is way too early to give an opinion on Barcelona's run in this year's top flight in Spain, there is still a striking difference between their ability to do well in Europe - effortless superiority comes as a handy description - and their sheer difficulties to perform with consistency at home.
In the other main attraction of the weekend, free-scoring league leaders Real Sociedad visit Real Madrid.
The Merengues entertain the Basques knowing a defeat would see them fall eight points off the pace and playing catch-up.
Such has been Real's fall from grace in the Champions League, they almost failed to hold onto top spot on Tuesday after their 1-1 draw in Genk. Had it not been for Walter Centeno's late, late equaliser for AEK against Roma, they'd have finished runners up.
This time last season Real Sociedad sat bottom of the Primiera Liga, with many writing them off as relegation certainties. Now they play some of the most attractive, exciting football in Spain, and without the distraction of Champions League football, certainly look good for a top-six finish at the very least.
Two sides with very contrasting form and aims for the season will meet in Pamplona on Sunday evening.
Many are tipping Osasuna as hot favourites for relegation, while much of the smart money is going on Valencia to retain the title they won last season.
On Wednesday a weakened Ches side disposed of the pathetic Spartak Moscow (officially the worst team in Champions League history) thanks to two goals from Juan Sanchez and a free-kick from Fabio Aurelio. Rafa Benitez will have the benefit for a rested side ahead of this clash.
Betis-Ceta is another game that catches the eye. Both were involved in Uefa Cup football this week, with Betis progressing past Zizkov, and Celta disposing of Viking with consummate ease. A win would see Betis go level with Celta on points in La Liga.
Espanyol will play host to Atletico knowing they remain deep in the relegation mire. The wins over Recreatvo and Malaga proved somewhat of a false dawn, as they have since lost back-to-back games against Valencia and Celta. Atletico, meanwhile, were involved in a stunning 3-3 draw with Bilbao last weekend.
Another of the weekend's more intriguing clashes sees Racing Santander host Mallorca who will be looking for their seventh win on the spin. Racing, though, have shown themselves to be one of the league's most dangerous counterattacking sides, and won't give the islanders an easy ride.
Elsewhere, Malaga visit Valladolid, Athletic Bilbao host Rayo Vallecano, Recreativo travel to Alaves in a six-pointer, and Villarreal entertain Sevilla in another important clash at the bottom.