Primera Liga matches, February 12-13
Leaders Barcelona face a double dose of pressure when they take on Real Zaragoza in what promises to be a tense Primera Liga encounter at La Romareda on Saturday (kickoff 1900 GMT).
Leaders Barcelona face a double dose of pressure when they take on Real Zaragoza in what promises to be a tense Primera Liga encounter at La Romareda on Saturday (kickoff 1900 GMT).
The Catalans are anxious to prove that their first home defeat of the season against Atletico Madrid last weekend was a temporary blip rather than evidence of a more serious decline in form.
Another defeat would hand the initiative to arch-rivals Real Madrid, who are just four points behind them in the standings and do not play until Sunday.
To add to the pressure, Barcelona have not won at Zaragoza since 1997 and the home side are seething over refereeing decisions they claim contributed to their league defeats at Albacete and Real Madrid.
As a protest the club is allowing the distribution of 8,000 red cards which will be brandished by fans when the two teams step on to the pitch.
"It's clear that the tension and controversy surrounding the match make it an even tougher game for us," said Barcelona midfielder Xavi.
"The only thing we want to do is to put in a good performance and make sure we win so that we maintain our lead in the standings."
Barca's Portugal midfielder Deco returned from midweek international duty with a minor back injury and new signing Demetrio Albertini or under-21 international Andres Iniesta will deputise if he fails to recover in time.
Zaragoza are without leading striker David Villa, midfielder Oscar and goalkeeper Luis Garcia, who are all suspended.
Other matches being played this weekend (league positions in brackets, kickoff times 1600 GMT unless stated):
Saturday:
VALENCIA (3) v DEPORTIVO CORUNA (10) 2100
Deportivo have won on their last three visits to the Mestalla and will be looking for revenge after they were crushed 5-1 at home by Valencia earlier this season. The Galicians have won just one of their last 10 matches.
Valencia have effectively waved goodbye to their chances of retaining the league title after taking just three points from their last four games and Claudio Ranieri needs a convincing home win to settle the disgruntled fans.
Sunday:
ESPANYOL (7) v GETAFE (13)
Espanyol dropped out of the Champions League places after last week's 4-0 drubbing at the Bernabeu and have now gone four games without a win but striker Raul Tamudo is back after a one-match ban and Getafe have yet to win away from home this season.
NUMANCIA (20) MALAGA (17)
The outlook is bleak for Numancia who have been cut adrift at the bottom of the table after slipping to three successive defeats. They must win this one against fellow strugglers Malaga if they are to keep their slim hopes of survival alive.
REAL MALLORCA (19) v ALBACETE (16)
The perfect opportunity for Hector Cuper's Mallorca to notch up three points in their battle to avoid the drop. Albacete rode their luck to claim a 2-1 win over nine-man Zaragoza last time out courtesy of two controversial penalties.
ATLETICO MADRID (8) v LEVANTE (14)
With his side winning just one of their last 12 games, Levante coach Bernd Schuster is under pressure to reverse the trend when he returns to former club Atletico, who won 2-0 at Barca last week and have only lost once at home this season.
SEVILLA (4) v VILLARREAL (5)
A fascinating clash is in prospect between Villarreal striker Diego Forlan, who notched up his 14th goal this season, and Sevilla front man Julio Baptista who has scored nine.
In-form Villarreal are looking to displace Sevilla from the final Champions League slot and extend their winning run to six matches in a row.
RACING SANTANDER (18) v REAL SOCIEDAD (15)
Sociedad earned their first point of the year with a late fightback to draw 3-3 against Valencia last week and they will be aiming to build on that against Racing.
The Cantabrians sacked coach Lucas Alcaraz after last week's 2-1 defeat at Villarreal and new boss Nando Yosu will be hoping for a positive reaction from the players.
OSASUNA (11) v REAL MADRID (2) 1800
Real made it six wins on the trot with their somewhat flattering 4-0 victory over Espanyol but face a true test of their revival against the Navarrans. Real have not won on their last four visits to El Sadar and can be assured of a hostile reception from the home fans.
With Luis Figo suspended, new signing Thomas Gravesen is set to partner Guti in the centre of midfield with David Beckham on the right but once again their is little sign of coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo making space for Michael Owen in the starting line-up.
ATHLETIC BILBAO (8) v REAL BETIS (6) 2000
Athletic will be without influential winger Joseba Exteberria and international midfielder Pablo Orbaiz, while Betis defenders Melli and David Rivas are suspended.