Primera Liga matches, December 6-7
Matches being played in the Primera Liga this weekend:
Matches being played in the Primera Liga this weekend:
Saturday:
BARCELONA vs. REAL MADRID
Barcelona have taken just a point from their last three games and, without the injured Brazilian Ronaldinho, they are in strong danger of going down to their first home league defeat by Real Madrid since 1983.
The good news for coach Frank Rijkaard is that Carles Puyol has recovered from injury and should be back to lead the defence.
Real moved back top of the table with their 2-0 win over neighbours Atletico Madrid on Wednesday and they will be at full strength for the trip.
DEPORTIVO CORUNA vs. MALAGA
Malaga will be boosted by their surprise 5-1 win at home to Barcelona and in eight-goal Salva Ballesta they boast the league's second-top scorer behind Ronaldo. Deportivo are a stronger side than Barca, however, with only 11 goals conceded all season, and Javier Irureta will expect his players to improve on their 1-1 draw away to Valladolid in midweek.
OSASUNA vs. CELTA VIGO
Osasuna's remarkable run continued with a narrow victory over Espanyol in midweek and another win could well be within their grasp against Celta, who will be distracted by next week's Champions League clash with AC Milan and are without Russian midfielder Alexander Mostovoi because of a leg muscle tear.
REAL SOCIEDAD vs. REAL BETIS
Real Sociedad continue to slide down the standings and they will not relish the visit of Real Betis, who are equally in need of the points after making a similarly disappointing start to the season. Sociedad will be hit be the absence of injured winger Javi de Pedro.
Sunday:
ALBACETE vs. RACING SANTANDER
Racing suffered a painful 4-0 defeat at home to Sevilla on Thursday but their away form has been excellent all season and they will approach this game with high hopes of a return to winning ways.
ATLETICO MADRID vs. ESPANYOL
Atletico will be anxious to give a decent account of themselves after a shoddy performance in a 2-0 derby defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday. Bottom club Espanyol should present them with far fewer problems.
MURCIA vs. VILLARREAL
Murcia did well to snatch a point at Real Betis in their last outing but they remain in deep trouble and will need to get something from this clash with inconsistent Villarreal, who will be without Argentine defender Rodolfo Arrubarrena because of a leg muscle strain. Mikel Roteta misses out for the home side because of suspension.
REAL MALLORCA vs. VALLADOLID
Mallorca have won four on the spin to move well clear of the relegation spots and fans are starting to dream of a return to the Champions League next season. Valladolid are still ahead of them in the table but they will have to be at their resilient best to prevent Mallorca from stretching their winning run.
SEVILLA vs. REAL ZARAGOZA
Sevilla returned to form with their 4-0 destruction of Racing and if exciting Spanish international Jose Antonio Reyes can find the same sparkling form they will prove far too strong for Zaragoza, who had to recover from two goals down to claim a point from their home game against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.
VALENCIA vs. ATHLETIC BILBAO
Valencia opened the door for Real Madrid to move back top of the table when they could only manage a goalless draw against Real Sociedad on Tuesday. To stay in the title running they will need to show more commitment in attack against Bilbao, who have improved greatly since the start of the season but still look vulnerable in defence.