Primera Liga matches, March 20-21
Despite being written off as Spanish title contenders some two months ago, an impressive eight-match winning streak has put Barcelona back in the frame.
Despite being written off as Spanish title contenders some two months ago, an impressive eight-match winning streak has put Barcelona back in the frame.
But Frank Rijkaard's side will need to continue their fine run when they entertain last season's runners-up Real Sociedad at the Nou Camp on Sunday (kickoff 2000 GMT).
Last week's efficient 2-0 win over basement side Murcia allowed the Catalans to exploit Deportivo Coruna's 4-2 defeat at Real Mallorca and move up into third in the standings, five points behind Valencia and nine behind leaders Real.
And at last after four barren seasons, the players are beginning to believe that they can mount a serious challenge.
"People were counting us out of the title race before," midfielder Gerard said this week. "But it was a mistake."
"We are in great shape at the moment, and because we have experienced so many bad times in recent years we are determined to take full advantage of it."
With his outstanding individual skills and spectacular goals Brazilian forward Ronaldinho may be the side's leading light, but the catalyst to the Barca revival has been the mid-season arrival of Edgar Davids.
The combative Dutchman has added much-needed bite to the midfield and given the talented Xavi the freedom to push forward and help Ronaldinho create opportunities for Javier Saviola and Luis Garcia.
Real Sociedad will make for tricky opponents, though. Their recent exit from the Champions League now allows them to devote their full attention to ensuring their survival in the top flight.
Despite an inconsistent season, Raynald Denoueix's side remain a well-organised and determined outfit.
Other Primera Liga matches being played this weekend (league positions in brackets; kickoffs 1600 GMT unless stated):
Saturday:
ATHLETIC BILBAO (5) v REAL MADRID (1) 1830
Real will be looking to bounce back from their shock extra-time defeat in the final of the King's Cup, but they may still be suffering from the after-effects of Wednesday's exhausting clash against Zaragoza.
Leading striker Ronaldo, still recovering from a thigh injury, is unlikely to play, but after seeing their lead at the top of the table cut from eight points to four, coach Carlos Queiroz may resist the temptation to rest anyone else.
ATLETICO MADRID (6) v REAL BETIS (10) 2030
Despite taking just five points from their last six games Atletico have still managed to hang on to a UEFA Cup berth, but they will need to improve on recent performances if they are to beat an ambitious Betis.
Brazilian midfielder Marcos Assuncao could feature for the visitors after returning from a three-month injury lay-off.
DEPORTIVO CORUNA (4) v MURCIA (20) 2000
A miserable run of one point in four matches has effectively torpedoed Depor's title chances, but the Galicians will be strong favourites to put another nail in the coffin of John Toshack's relegation-bound Murcia, nine points adrift at the bottom.
Sunday:
ALBACETE (16) v VALLADOLID (13)
Consecutive victories have allowed Valladolid to pull eight points clear of the relegation zone but they suffered a setback this week when Lens striker Dagui Bakari was refused clearance from FIFA to sign for the club.
Albacete cannot afford to drop their guard after a 2-1 defeat at Villarreal left them five points above the drop zone.
OSASUNA (7) v VILLARREAL (8)
Both sides look to have recovered from mid-season dips in form to renew their bids for a UEFA Cup place. Osasuna are marginal favourites given their strong home record, while Villarreal have not travelled well this season.
RACING SANTANDER (12) v CELTA VIGO (18)
Four defeats in a row have set the alarm bells ringing at Radomir Antic's Celta. The Galicians have a good record at Santander's El Sardinero stadium but will be without left-sided defenders Juanfran and Silvinho.
REAL ZARAGOZA (15) v ESPANYOL (19)
Zaragoza are on a high after their thrilling victory over Real Madrid in the final of the King's Cup and a four-match unbeaten run in the league.
But, only five points above the relegation zone, Victor Munoz's side cannot afford to relax against struggling Espanyol, whose recent revival stalled in last week's 1-0 home defeat to Racing Santander.
SEVILLA (9) v MALAGA (11)
The Andalucian derby is certain to be a hard-fought and intense affair, but with Sevilla missing leading striker Julio Baptista through suspension and his opposite number Salva Ballesta in prolific form the visitors may have the edge.
VALENCIA (2) v REAL MALLORCA (17) 1800
With Real Madrid stuttering, Valencia have closed the gap on the leaders to four points but they face a difficult game against an unpredictable Mallorca.
Valencia are without injured playmaker Pablo Aimar, while Mallorca claimed their first win in seven games with a 4-2 thrashing of high-flying Deportivo last time out.