Primera Liga matches, August 28 to 30

Real Madrid begin their league title campaign away to Real Mallorca on Sunday with a new coach and a new galactico but the same old problems in defence.

Real have spent almost 50 million euros on centre backs after a five-game losing streak at the end of last term but Jonathan Woodgate arrived injured and Walter Samuel joined him on the casualty list after taking a knock against Wisla Krakow this week. Neither will be fit for at least two weeks.

Fortunately for new boss Jose Antonio Camacho, Mallorca are without Samuel Eto'o, who has moved to Barcelona, and will have few resources to test Real's defence.

Camacho's main problem on Sunday will be to find space for Michael Owen, after he was snapped up from Liverpool in a cut-price deal earlier this month.

Owen will be competing with Ronaldo, Raul and Fernando Morientes for two places up front and the England striker will almost certainly start life as a Real player on the bench.

Real finished fourth last season, behind Valencia, Barcelona and Deportivo Coruna, but were back to their fluent best in Champions League qualifying against Wisla Krakow and they will start the season as favourites for a 30th title.

Other matches being played in Primera Liga this weekend (kickoff times 1730 GMT unless stated, last season's final league positions in parentheses):

Playing Saturday:

ATLETICO MADRID (7) v MALAGA (10) (1800)

Atletico hopes of a return to European competition were dashed by a defeat to Villarreal in the Intertoto Cup this week and new coach Cesar Ferrando will need a good start in the league. Malaga will pin their hopes of survival on new forwards Amoroso of Brazil and Costa Rican international Paulo Wanchope.

ESPANYOL (16) v DEPORTIVO CORUNA (3) (2000)

Espanyol have Raul Tamudo in peak form, with two goals in Spain's recent 3-2 win over Venezuela, and Deportivo will not relish this trip to Barcelona.

Depor were terrible in the first half of their Champions League qualifying win over Ireland's Shelbourne in midweek and Javier Irureta, who has had no money to invest since the end of last season, will demand an improved attitude here.

NUMANCIA (3, division two) v REAL BETIS (9) (1800)

Numancia face a tricky start to life back in the top division, as an exciting young Betis side look for a positive start under former Barcelona coach Llorenc Serra Ferrer, back for his second spell at the club. Brazilian striker Ricardo Oliveira could make his Betis debut after a move from Valencia.

Playing Sunday:

OSASUNA (13) v ATHLETIC BILBAO (5)

Osasuna striker Savo Milosevic, snapped up on a free transfer from Espanyol, is doubtful with a leg muscle strain. Bilbao have also been hit by injury, with defender Jesus Maria Lacruz facing a lengthy absence. Carlos Gurpegi could step back from midfield to cover.

RACING SANTANDER (17) v BARCELONA (2) (1930)

Racing's reward for narrowly avoiding relegation last term is an opening clash with Barcelona, who have invested heavily over the close season and will fancy their chances of a first title since 1999.

Frank Rijkaard will not be able to field his first choice side, with Brazilian defender Edmilson carrying over a suspension from his time at Olympique Lyon and Ronaldinho and Carles Puyol both extremely doubtful through injury.

REAL SOCIEDAD (15) v LEVANTE (champions, division two))

Sociedad begin life without midfielder Xabi Alonso, sold to Liverpool for around $18 million, with a home clash with Bernd Schuster's Levante. The division two champions have beefed up their defence and midfield with three signings over the close season, while former Real Madrid striker Edwin Congo will lead a dangerous attack.

REAL ZARAGOZA (12) v GETAFE (2, division two))

Zaragoza won the first piece of silverware of the season with their surprise victory over Valencia in the Super Cup this week and they should be too strong for top flight debutants Getafe, who look lightweight in all areas.

SEVILLA (6) v ALBACETE (14)

Sevilla could be one of the few sides to pose a threat to the big four after recruiting good players for the new season, including the outstanding Portuguese striker Ariza Makukula from Valladolid. Albacete, who surprised everyone by avoiding relegation last term, have signed five new players but are likely to struggle from the outset.

Playing Monday:

VALENCIA (1) v VILLARREAL (8) (1900)

Champions Valencia suffered a big setback with their defeat by Zaragoza in the Spanish Super Cup and nothing less than victory will do for returning coach Claudio Ranieri in this Mediterranean derby. Midfielder Roger is out for Villarreal with a knee injury.