Primera Liga matches, April 2-3
depleted Barcelona face the first of two major tests as they look to tighten their grip on the league title when they host high-flying Real Betis at the Nou Camp on Sunday (kickoff 1500 GMT).
A depleted Barcelona face the first of two major tests as they look to tighten their grip on the league title when they host high-flying Real Betis at the Nou Camp on Sunday (kickoff 1500 GMT).
Barca enjoy a comfortable 11-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the table with nine games left to play, but slip-ups against the Andalucians and in the subsequent visit to the Bernabeu could throw open the title race once more.
The Catalans will have to make do without inspirational centre-back Carles Puyol and defensive midfielder Rafa Marquez as they attempt to put the brakes on a powerful Betis attack spearheaded by Brazilian duo Ricardo Oliveira and Edu and Spain winger Joaquin.
Puyol strained ankle ligaments in Spain's World Cup qualifier against Serbia & Montenegro on Wednesday and could be out of action for up to three weeks, while the influential Mexican international Marquez is suspended.
"Betis are having a great run at the moment," says Barca midfielder Xavi. "They have got some very quick, skilful players and it won't be easy."
Betis, who are coached by former Barca boss Llorenc Serra Ferrer, moved up to third spot in the table after a 2-1 win over Albacete last time out and are hoping to cement their hold on a lucrative Champions League place.
"If we manage to come away with at least a point we will improve our chances of making the Champions League and will also breathe new life into the race for the title," said winger Joaquin.
"It is very good news that Puyol and Marquez are out because they are two extremely important players."
Other matches being played this weekend (kickoff times 1500 GMT unless stated; league positions in brackets):
Saturday:
REAL SOCIEDAD (12) v OSASUNA (17) 1600
Osasuna have now gone 11 games without a win and are the only side in the league not to have recorded a victory in 2005. Although they have a game in hand, a defeat against an improving Sociedad would drag Javier Aguirre's side into the messy relegation battle.
REAL ZARAGOZA (11) v VALENCIA (5) 1800
Valencia have lost just one match since Antonio Lopez replaced Claudio Ranieri as coach and they are now just a point off the Champions League places, but they have a host of injury worries for the trip to Zaragoza.
Carlos Marchena has recovered from a groin strain and should be available, but fellow centre-back David Navarro and midfielder Ruben Baraja are both out, while playmaker Pablo Aimar is doubtful because of a thigh strain.
VILLARREAL (4) v ATHLETIC BILBAO (10) 2000
In-form Villarreal have only lost one match at home all season and will be favourites to win this one against Bilbao, who have only notched up two victories on their travels this term.
Striker Diego Forlan, who is only one goal shy of Barca's Samuel Eto'o at the top of the scoring charts, continued his fine form with a goal in Uruguay's 1-1 draw against Brazil in midweek and will be looking to notch up his 18th of the season.
Sunday:
ALBACETE (19) v REAL MADRID (2) 1900
Real will be without the injured David Beckham and the suspended Zinedine Zidane, but keeper Iker Casillas should be available against the relegation strugglers despite a minor ankle injury.
Santiago Solari and Guti will deputise in midfield while Ronaldo and Raul are likely to start up front despite their recent poor form in front of goal.
ATLETICO MADRID (8) v REAL MALLORCA (18) 1700
With just one league defeat at home all season, Atletico will be hopeful of a victory against Hector Cuper's strugglers who have lost five out of their last six games.
Former Atletico midfielder Gonzalo de los Santos is suspended and opposite number Antonio Lopez is serving a ban for the home side while Japan's Yoshito Okubo is likely to feature up front for the islanders.
LEVANTE (14) v DEPORTIVO CORUNA (9)
Deportivo suffered their first defeat in five when they lost 1-0 to Barcelona at the Riazor last time out and will need to get back on track with a win over Bernd Schuster's side if they are to renew their bid for a place in Europe.
MALAGA (16) GETAFE (13)
A tense contest in prospect as a win for either side would go a long way to easing their relegation worries. Malaga have lost three in a row, while Getafe's escape plans suffered a setback with a 3-1 defeat at Valencia.
RACING SANTANDER (15) v ESPANYOL (6)
Espanyol dropped out of the Champions League berths after a 2-2 draw at home to Sociedad and will need to be on top form if they are to beat a revived Racing who have lost just one of their last six games and are playing some attractive attack-minded football.
SEVILLA (7) v NUMANCIA (20)
An off-colour Sevilla claimed their first win in six when they sneaked a 1-0 win over Mallorca last time out, but will have to make do without leading striker Julio Baptista for the visit of basement side Numancia who look destined for the drop.