Primera Liga matches, May 1-2

The return of leading scorer Ronaldo and the reprieve given to Luis Figo have given Real Madrid a double boost ahead Saturday's league clash against Deportivo Coruna (kickoff 2000 GMT).

The game should have been second-placed Real's toughest test in the run-in to the end of the season, but it may turn out to be easier than expected as Depor have their attention focused firmly on next week's Champions League semi-final against Porto.

After three weeks out with a thigh strain Brazilian striker Ronaldo, who has scored a total 24 league goals this season, returns to the fold to help Real's fight to retain their title in the last four games.

The champions are a point behind leaders Valencia.

In-form midfielder Figo, meanwhile, has been given a surprise pardon by the Spanish Football Federation after his sending off in last week's 2-1 home defeat by arch-rivals Barcelona.

Depor coach Javier Irureta has already said he will field a shadow side and Real will have a great chance of claiming their first victory at the Riazor in over 12 years.

"It's not that the game against Real isn't important," Depor midfielder Mauro Silva said this week. "It's just that the game against Porto is much more important and we have to do things according to our own best interests."

Mauro and Portuguese defender Jorge Andrade will both play as they are suspended for the Porto match, but otherwise it will be Depor's second string players that will have to try and keep Carlos Queiroz's side in check.

Real will be missing the versatile Ivan Helguera, who is suspended, but David Beckham will start after shaking off a minor injury to his Achilles' heel.

Other matches being played this weekend (standings in brackets; kickoff times 1530 GMT unless stated):

Saturday:

ATLETICO MADRID (7) v CELTA VIGO (19) 1800

After two successive wins and four clean sheets, Celta are increasingly confident they can avoid the drop. Opponents Atletico look to be on the wane and have lost valuable ground in the race for a UEFA Cup place after three straight defeats.

Celta left-back Juanfran is a doubt because of a rib injury and Atletico are likely to be without playmaker Ariel Ibagaza as well as suspended midfielder Gonzalo de los Santos.

Sunday:

ALBACETE (12) v REAL ZARAGOZA (15)

A tight contest in prospect as both sides look to pull clear of the crowded danger zone. Albacete gained some breathing space with a 2-0 win over fellow strugglers Racing Santander last week, but Zaragoza will still be kicking themselves for surrendering a two-goal lead as they drew 4-4 against Sevilla.

BARCELONA (3) v ESPANYOL (18) 1930

Barcelona may have closed to within five points of leaders Valencia after their 2-1 win at Real last week, but they must win all their remaining games if they are to make the most of any slip-ups from the leading duo.

Frank Rijkaard's side will be without the inspirational presence of fullback Carles Puyol, who is out for three weeks with an ankle injury, but winger Luis Garcia should be back fit.

Two wins in a row have given Espanyol a fighting chance of avoiding relegation, but the catalyst for their revival, midfielder Ivan de la Pena, is out suspended.

MURCIA (20) v VALLADOLID (17)

Nerves got the better of Valladolid this week as they decided to ditch coach Fernando Vazquez after their 3-1 defeat at home to Mallorca. New boss Antonio Santos has a great chance, though, of getting off to a winning start against relegated Murcia.

OSASUNA (6) v RACING SANTANDER (16) 1600

Osasuna remain on course for a UEFA Cup place despite successive defeats against Celta and Espanyol, but they will have another battle on their hands against Racing who are fighting for survival in the top flight.

REAL MALLORCA (14) v MALAGA (9)

A morale-boosting win at Valladolid lifted Mallorca out of the drop zone last week, but they face a tough match against Malaga who still have their sights set on a UEFA Cup place.

REAL SOCIEDAD (13) v VILLARREAL (8)

Sociedad's 2-1 defeat at Betis last week means they are still not clear of danger. They will have to make do without playmaker Xabi Alonso and Norwegian defender Bjorn Tore Kvarme, who are suspended, but must be hoping that Villarreal will be distracted by next week's UEFA Cup semi-final against neighbours Valencia.

SEVILLA (10) v ATHLETIC BILBAO (5)

Bilbao remain on course for a return to Europe after their determined 1-1 draw against leaders Valencia last week. The Basques have been far less convincing away from home, though, and will be pushed all the way by Sevilla, who staged a dramatic recovery to scramble a last-gasp 4-4 draw at Zaragoza last week.

VALENCIA (1) v REAL BETIS (11) 1730

Although they have their fate in their own hands, Valencia have a daunting run-in to the end of the season. They face the first of two difficult tests against the Seville-based sides with this home game against Betis, who are still in with a chance of earning a place in Europe next season.

Defenders Carlos Marchena and Amedeo Carboni are doubtful, but Argentine playmaker Pablo Aimar could make a reappearance after a month out with a groin injury.