Primera Liga matches, May 14-16

Real Madrid will be looking to salvage something from a disappointing season after watching Valencia clinch the title last week.

Bidding to secure the runners-up spot and an automatic place in the next edition of the Champions League, Real theoretically have an easy task in their trip to already relegated Murcia on Sunday (kickoff 1930 GMT).

However, with Barcelona just a point behind in the standings, Carlos Queiroz's side know that there is little room for error in the final two games of the season.

Matters are further complicated by the suspension of Brazilian duo Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos after they picked up yellow cards in last week's humiliating 3-2 defeat at home to Real Mallorca.

Raul is likely to move up front to replace Ronaldo leaving Santiago Solari to step into the midfield, while Alvaro Mejia will replace the injured Raul Bravo at the back.

Roberto Carlos is one of several players who have said they will be glad to see the back of the present campaign but the Brazilian is aware that failure to secure second place would be unacceptable at a club so accustomed to success.

"It has been a very long season," the Real fullback said earlier this week. "We are all exhausted and are just hoping it will be over as soon as possible."

"But although we aren't used to battling it out for second place we will be giving everything to make sure we finish ahead of Barcelona."

Murcia have won just four games this season but will want to give their fans something to cheer about in their final home game before returning to the second division.

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

Friday:

VILLARREAL (7) v VALENCIA (1) 2000

Having wrapped up the title at the first attempt with their 2-0 win over Sevilla last week, Valencia can now concentrate on preparing for next week's UEFA Cup final against Olympique Marseille.

Coach Rafa Benitez is likely to rest several of his key players but such is the strength of his squad that they are sure to give their regional rivals a run for their money.

Saturday:

ATLETICO MADRID (6) v REAL ZARAGOZA (15) 2000

Atletico remain on course for a return to Europe but can expect a tough game against Zaragoza, who are still not clear of the threat of relegation.

Atletico, whose preparations have been overshadowed by concerns over the health of owner Jesus Gil, will be without suspended midfielders Ariel Ibagaza and Alvaro Novo. Former Calderon favourite Jose Maria Movilla will be assured of a warm welcome when he returns to lead the Zaragoza midfield.

DEPORTIVO CORUNA (4) v CELTA VIGO (18) 1800

Depor still have an outside chance of claiming second place in the league but will need to play a lot better than last week if they are to beat fellow Galicians Celta.

Celta ended Barcelona's 17-match unbeaten run with a gritty 1-0 win last Saturday but remain in the relegation zone.

REAL BETIS (11) v VALLADOLID (19) 1800

Relegation-threatened Valladolid had defenders Juan Manuel Pena, Pablo Ricchetti and midfielder Chema sent off in last week's desperate 2-2 draw at home to Real Sociedad. Valladolid will now have to do without all three for the vital game against Betis.

Sunday:

ALBACETE (13) v SEVILLA (9)

Coach Cesar Ferrando has earned himself a well deserved contract extension after steering his side towards another season in the top flight. They are still not certain of survival, though, and will face a tough game against an ambitious Sevilla, who are still in the hunt for a UEFA place.

BARCELONA (3) v RACING SANTANDER (16) 1730

While Barca's 17-match unbeaten run was finally ended by Celta last week, they will be keen to keep the pressure on Real Madrid when they host Racing -- the last side to beat them before their run began.

Influential Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids is doubtful with a thigh muscle problem. Defender Carles Puyol could return to action after recovering from an ankle injury, while Racing will have to do without forwards Yossi Benayoun and Rodolfo Bodipo.

OSASUNA (10) v ATHLETIC BILBAO (5)

Osasuna's hopes of earning a place in Europe faded after their 1-0 defeat at Zaragoza last weekend. Bilbao remain on course for a UEFA Cup place despite their 1-1 draw at home to Albacete.

REAL MALLORCA (12) v ESPANYOL (17)

Samuel Eto'o's double strike inspired Mallorca to a 3-2 victory at Real Madrid last week and almost certainly ensured the club's top-flight status for next season.

Espanyol are aiming to achieve a similar feat after hauling themselves out of the relegation zone for the first time in eight months with an equally impressive 2-0 win over Deportivo.

Leading striker Raul Tamudo has said he is confident he will play despite fracturing a toe during last week's game.

REAL SOCIEDAD (14) v MALAGA (8)

A nervous final home game in prospect for last season's runners-up who still need two points to ensure they avoid the drop. Sociedad midfielder Javi de Pedro will play his last game at Anoeta before leaving the club.

Malaga have defied pre-season predictions to end the campaign in fine form and are still in with a chance of earning a place in Europe.