Primera Liga matches, March 12-13
Barcelona face a test of character this weekend as they look to put their Champions League disappointment behind them and focus on their remaining chance of winning a trophy this season.
Barcelona face a test of character this weekend as they look to put their Champions League disappointment behind them and focus on their remaining chance of winning a trophy this season.
The Catalans have little time to lament their defeat to Chelsea in Tuesday's six-goal thriller at Stamford Bridge before they host Athletic Bilbao at the Nou Camp on Saturday (kickoff 1900 GMT).
"The result was a big blow to us," said Argentine striker Maxi Lopez. "But we have to be strong because there are still some very important things at stake this season. This team knows how to react to adverse situations like this."
Barca enjoy an eight-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the table, but with a series of tricky fixtures coming up over the next month they can ill afford a slip-up against the Basques.
Real also suffered a morale-sapping Champions League defeat at the hands of Juventus and their own exit from Europe will make them more determined to overhaul their rivals at the top of the table.
Frank Rijkaard's side are, however, still confident of claiming their first piece of silverware in six seasons.
"Both sides will have been affected by their defeats in Europe," says midfielder Xavi. "But we are in the better position and depend only on ourselves to win the title."
Rijkaard is likely to have to reshuffle his midfield for the Bilbao match as Rafael Marquez has not fully recovered from a muscle strain and playmaker Deco has a chest infection.
Gerard and youngster Andres Iniesta are the favourites to step in to the starting line-up.
Bilbao have been inconsistent this season but were in electric form when they beat Real Madrid 2-0 at the Bernabeu last month and they are sure to make life difficult for Barca. too.
Other matches being played this weekend (kickoff times 1600 GMT; league positions in brackets):
Saturday:
MALAGA (12) v REAL BETIS (7) 2100
A tight contest between the two Andalucian sides. Betis want to renew their bid for a Champions League place after suffering a recent dip, while Malaga will be aiming to bounce back from their defeat at Deportivo to ensure they stay clear of the danger zone.
Sunday:
ALBACETE (18) v DEPORTIVO CORUNA (9)
Deportivo are beginning to find more consistency after a miserable start to the season and a win this weekend would put them back in the hunt for the European places.
A five-game winless streak has left Albacete in serious trouble they need points if they are to haul themselves out of the drop zone.
ATLETICO MADRID (8) VALENCIA (5) 2000
Valencia continued their revival under new coach Antonio Lopez with a 1-1 draw at home to Real Madrid last week.
The Ches have won on six of their last eight visits to the Calderon, but Atletico are on a high after their 3-0 win over Sevilla last time out and have only lost one match at home this season.
GETAFE (16) REAL MADRID (2) 1800
After their elimination from the Champions League, the league remains Real's only hope of ending a second successive season without a major trophy.
They will be without the suspended David Beckham, while midfielder Santiago Solari and defender Ivan Helguera are doubtful for the short trip across Madrid.
Primera Liga newcomers Getafe have taken some high-profile scalps at home this term and are in need of a win if they are to continue their fight against a return to the second division.
LEVANTE (14) OSASUNA (15)
A key game for two sides whose main aim this season is to avoid relegation. After promising starts, both have plummeted down the standings.
Osasuna have not won any of their 10 games since the turn of the year and Levante have been in scarcely better form.
RACING SANTANDER (17) REAL MALLORCA (19)
A relegation six-pointer between the two sides either side of the drop zone. The islanders are just four points behind Racing after their 3-2 win over Sociedad and will be looking to strike combination of Bernardo Romeo and Luis Garcia to carve out another win at El Sardinero.
REAL SOCIEDAD (13) NUMANCIA (20)
A four-match unbeaten run has done little to improve Numancia's hopes of survival, and the Sorians will need to emulate fellow strugglers Mallorca and defeat Sociedad if they are to have any chance of pulling off a miraculous escape.
SEVILLA (6) REAL ZARAGOZA (11)
Sevilla suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at Atletico last week and have taken just two points from their last four games, but they will be reassured by the fact that they have lost just once at home this term and that Zaragoza have only won once away.
Zaragoza centre-back Alvaro and Sevilla right-back Sergio Ramos are both suspended.
VILLARREAL (4) ESPANYOL (3)
An intriguing match in prospect between two sides bidding for a first ever place in the Champions League.
Espanyol will welcome playmaker Ivan de la Pena and inspirational striker Raul Tamudo back for this tricky trip to face Manuel Pellegrini's side who had a wasted trip to Bucharest in midweek after their UEFA Cup game at Steaua was called off because of a snow-bound pitch.