Primera Liga matches, December 13-14

After convincing wins over their two biggest historical rivals, Real Madrid can cap an all but perfect 12-day spell with victory over title challengers Deportivo Coruna at the Bernabeu on Sunday.

Real's 2-0 derby win over Atletico Madrid on December 3 took them back to the top of the Primera Liga table, two points ahead of Valencia and three clear of Deportivo.

They maintained that advantage with an even more satisfying 2-1 victory away to Barcelona -- their first league win at the Nou Camp in 20 years.

They followed up those two domestic successes with a comfortable 1-1 draw with Porto that clinched first place in their group in the Champions League and left coach Carlos Queiroz highly satisfied with his side's recent work.

"It's been a hard week for us and a very good one," Queiroz said. "The results have been excellent, although we haven't won anything yet."

Queiroz has had the luxury of a five-day gap between the games against Porto and Deportivo and he should be able to field his first-choice side for a game that could see them pull six points clear of one of their chief title rivals.

"It's strange to have so much time to recover ahead of the Deportivo game," Queiroz said. "It's a long, hard road in the league."

Deportivo also had a satisfying week, as their 3-2 defeat away to PSV Eindhoven proved just enough to give them a place in the Champions League second round.

Depor coach Javier Irureta has injury doubts over midfielder Victor and striker Albert Luque.

Other matches being played in the Primera Liga this weekend:

Saturday:

CELTA VIGO vs. ATLETICO MADRID

After clinching a place in the second round of the Champions league in midweek, Celta must turn their attention to improving their dreadful domestic form.

The visit of in-form Atletico Madrid will be a worry for Celta coach Miguel Angel Lotina, who has already been warned that he might not be around for the next phase of the side's European adventure.

ESPANYOL vs. BARCELONA

Barcelona lost a 20-year unbeaten home league record in matches against Real Madrid last weekend and coach Frank Rijkaard will be in deep trouble if they follow that up with defeat against their city rivals.

The good news for Rijkaard is the expected return of Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho, who has been sorely missed in the past four games.

VILLARREAL vs. REAL SOCIEDAD

Real Sociedad are in a similar situation to Celta Vigo -- through to the second phase of the Champions League but in relegation trouble at home. Coach Raynald Denoueix is likely to stick with the same side that performed so well in clinching a draw at home to Galatasaray in midweek.

Villarreal have Jose Mari suspended after his sending-off against Murcia last weekend but Antonio Guayre should be back from injury.

Sunday:

ATHLETIC BILBAO vs. SEVILLA

Carlos Gurpegi, the Bilbao midfielder still fighting against a proposed suspension for a positive drugs test last season, could be asked to fill in at central defence in the absence of the suspended Luis Prieto. Francisco Casquero could come in in midfield for Sevilla.

MALAGA vs. REAL MALLORCA

Malaga, 5-1 winners over Barcelona in their last home game, could be missing several players after an outbreak of 'flu at the club. In-form Mallorca will be at full strength as they look for a sixth straight win.

RACING SANTANDER vs. OSASUNA

Racing slipped down to 13th with last weekend's shock 4-0 defeat at Albacete and coach Lucas Alcaraz has promised the home fans a victory this time out. That will be a tough task against Osasuna, who strengthened their claim to a Champions League place with an excellent 3-2 win at home to Celta Vigo.

REAL BETIS vs. VALENCIA

Betis recovered their best form with an outstanding 4-0 win away to Real Sociedad last weekend and they will be confident of claiming another positive result against Valencia, who will have little time to recover from their UEFA Cup win over Maccabi Haifa in the Netherlands on Thursday.

REAL ZARAGOZA vs. ALBACETE

Zaragoza let slip a two-goal lead on their way to a costly 3-2 defeat by Sevilla last week and they badly need a result against Albacete, one of their rivals in the race to avoid relegation. Zaragoza coach Paco Flores is likely to bring in Raul Valbuena in goal in place of Cesar Lainez.

Albacete coach Cesar Ferrando has recovered from a bout of 'flu and should be fit enough to be on the bench for the game.

VALLADOLID vs. MURCIA

Valladolid will be without defenders Juan Manuel Pena and Jonathan because of leg muscle injuries. Murcia, unfortunate to be held to a 1-1 draw at home to Villarreal last weekend, should be at full strength.