Primera Liga matches, February 19-20
Ambitious Athletic Bilbao head to the Bernabeu on Saturday (kickoff 1900 GMT) in the belief that they can end Real Madrid's seven-match winning streak by outgunning the home side up front.
Ambitious Athletic Bilbao head to the Bernabeu on Saturday (kickoff 1900 GMT) in the belief that they can end Real Madrid's seven-match winning streak by outgunning the home side up front.
"We are going to approach the game as we have done every one this season and that is by going all out in attack when we have the ball," said inspirational midfielder Fran Yeste.
"To win you have to be brave and go for the victory from the very first minute."
The Basque side have played some outstanding attacking football this term and have been involved in two spectacular games in recent weeks.
They fought their way back from three goals down after an hour to snatch a last-gasp 4-3 win over Osasuna in January and appeared to have repeated the trick against Real Betis last time out only for the Andalucians to score a late equaliser.
Real, in contrast, have developed a new-found effectiveness in defence since the arrival of coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo.
Together with Barcelona, they have the best defensive record in the league and have only conceded four league goals since the Brazilian took charge at the end of last year.
They have, however, been less impressive up front. With an off-form Ronaldo picking up a minor injury to his big toe during his engagement party on Monday and unable to train properly this week, Michael Owen is likely to be given a rare chance to shine in the starting line-up.
The England striker came off the bench to spark last week's 2-1 comeback win against Osasuna with his eighth league goal of the season.
Brazilian international Roberto Carlos will miss out because of a one-match suspension with Raul Bravo likely to fill in at left back.
Other matches being played this weekend (league positions in brackets, kickoff times 1600 GMT unless stated):
Saturday:
BARCELONA (1) v REAL MALLORCA (18) 1900
Barca bounced back from their first home defeat of the season against Atletico with an authoritative 4-1 win away to Zaragoza but cannot afford another slip up with Real Madrid just four points behind in the standings.
Centre back Oleguer Presas is injured so coach Frank Rijkaard is likely to drop Rafael Marquez back into defence and give new signing Demetrio Albertini his first start in midfield.
Mallorca moved up a place after last week's win at Albacete, but still need points in their battle to stave off relegation.
REAL SOCIEDAD (13) v SEVILLA (3) 2100
Sevilla moved into third spot in the table after their 2-1 victory over Villarreal last week and will be optimistic about their chances of a win against an inconsistent Real Sociedad at Anoeta.
Sunday:
ALBACETE (17) v NUMANCIA (20)
After four straight defeats, there appears to be no escape from relegation for basement side Numancia, who have taken just one point from 12 away games this season.
Albacete are hovering just above the drop zone and will see this game as a chance to distance themselves from their rivals.
GETAFE (14) v OSASUNA (11)
Getafe have lost keeper Francisco Sanchez Broto for two months because of a knee problem. The Navarrans are also without their keeper Ricardo Sanzol and striker Pierre Webo, while centre forward Savo Milosevic is doubtful.
LEVANTE (15) v REAL ZARAGOZA (12)
An inconsistent Zaragoza will have been boosted by a 1-0 victory away to Fenerbahce in the UEFA Cup in midweek. Levante are desperate for points after winning just one of their last 13 games.
MALAGA (16) v ESPANYOL (6)
Espanyol put an end to their recent dip in form with a 2-0 win against Getafe, their first victory in five games, but influential playmaker Ivan de la Pena is doubtful for this one against a Malaga side who have lost just one match in the last five under new coach Antonio Tapia.
RACING SANTANDER (19) v VALENCIA (4) 1800
Valencia coach Claudio Ranieri was given a brief respite after his side's winning start to the defence of their UEFA Cup crown in midweek, but after five games without a victory in the league the Italian will come under further pressure if his side fail to beat Racing.
REAL BETIS (5) v DEPORTIVO CORUNA (10)
Depor face a stern test against in-form Betis who have lost just one in seven and are in explosive form up front.
Betis striker Ricardo Oliveira took his tally for the season to 15 with his hat-trick in last week's 4-4 draw at Athletic Bilbao and the Depor defence will have their work cut out with the Brazilian.
VILLARREAL (7) v ATLETICO MADRID (8) 2000
Villarreal were dealt their first defeat in 10 games when they went down 2-1 to Sevilla last week but they have only lost at home once this season. After their impressive 2-0 win over Barcelona two weeks ago, opponents Atletico resumed normal service with a 0-0 draw against Levante last time out.