Primera Liga matches, November 29-30
It is not often that Real Madrid approach a Primera Liga match with a degree of trepidation, but the reigning champions are unlikely to be looking forward to the trip northwards to play Osasuna on Saturday.
It is not often that Real Madrid approach a Primera Liga match with a degree of trepidation, but the reigning champions are unlikely to be looking forward to the trip northwards to play Osasuna on Saturday.
Real have been dealt painful defeats on their last two visits to El Sadar and to add to their problems the Navarrans, who are more familiar with relegation battles, are riding high in an unaccustomed sixth place in the table.
"I don't think Real are ever comfortable when they come to El Sadar," Osasuna coach Javier Aguirre told sports daily Marca on Friday. "They don't look forward to coming because they know it is one of those games when they are going to have to suffer."
Under the astute guidance of the former Mexico boss, the Pamplona-based club have developed into one of the most consistent sides in the league.
With a gritty defence, an experienced midfield and an effective attack spiced up by the addition of Ivory Coast striker Ibrahima Bakayoko, they have proved to be a match for any side this season.
Real, who went top of the table last week after a 2-1 win over Albacete, will have to make do without Zinedine Zidane, who is out with a strained ankle, and wait on Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos, who is suffering from a calf strain.
David Beckham, who scored a classy trademark free kick against Marseille in midweek, and fellow midfielder Luis Figo should recover from minor niggles.
The champions will have to knuckle down and sacrifice entertainment and spectacle if they want to come away with a first win in three visits to El Sadar.
Other matches being played this weekend:
Saturday:
ATLETICO MADRID vs. MALAGA
Atletico's six-match winning streak came to an abrupt end last week with a comprehensive 3-1 defeat at a rain-drenched Valladolid.
They will face a tough test against a rejuvenated Malaga, whose attack is likely to be lead by former Calderon favourites Salva Ballesta and Diego Alonso.
MURCIA vs. REAL SOCIEDAD
Although they appear to be on course for a place in the last 16 of the Champions League, Sociedad are struggling on the domestic front following three defeats in their last four games.
To make matters worse live-wire Turkish forward Nihat Kahveci is almost certainly out through injury, influential midfielder Valery Karpin is also doubtful and Argentine defender Gabriel Schurrer is suspended.
Murcia are in optimistic mood following their 2-2 draw against Valencia.
VALENCIA vs. REAL ZARAGOZA
Valencia let slip their chance to go top with their draw at lowly Murcia, but will have been consoled by the form of striker Mista, who took his tally to eight goals with a well-taken double.
Zaragoza were fortunate to steal a 2-1 win over Racing last time out, but finally look to have found their feet on their return to the top flight.
Sunday:
ALBACETE vs. ESPANYOL
Espanyol scrambled their second win of the season with a last-gasp strike against Sevilla last week and will be looking for another when they take on fellow strugglers Albacete, who have now lost three in a row.
ATHLETIC BILBAO vs. RACING SANTANDER
Athletic moved up to fourth after a 2-0 win away to Celta last week, but they will need to be at their best to deal with an attack-minded Racing.
The home side will have to make do without in-form winger Joseba Etxeberria, who is serving a one-match suspension, and centre-forward Ismael Urzaiz who is doubtful with a leg strain.
DEPORTIVO CORUNA vs. VILLARREAL
A tough test for Depor, who will have to make do with just Albert Luque up front following injuries to first choice strikers Diego Tristan and Walter Pandiani.
Villarreal will have been buoyed by their 2-1 win at home to Barcelona last week and their qualification for the third round of the UEFA Cup.
BARCELONA vs. VALLADOLID
Still without the injured Ronaldinho, Barcelona will be wary of an improving Valladolid side, whose attack is spearheaded by towering centre-forward Ariza Makukula.
The Catalans looked surprisingly unambitious in their defeat at Villarreal and will need a much improved performance if they are to end their opponents' five-match unbeaten run.
REAL MALLORCA vs. REAL BETIS
Injury-plagued Betis received a body-blow this week with the news that free kick specialist and leading scorer Marcos Assuncao will be out for at least three months with a broken ankle.
With forward Dani and winger Denilson also out injured, new signing Martin Palermo will have to lead the attack as the Andalucians go in search of their first win in five matches.
SEVILLA vs. CELTA VIGO
Celta are just two points above the drop zone and will have to make do without Russian playmaker Alexander Mostovoi and Argentine keeper Pablo Cavallero, who both went off injured in the 1-1 Champions League draw against Bruges in midweek.
Sevilla, who were brought back to earth after their 4-1 thrashing of Real Madrid with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of lowly Espanyol, will be relieved to have striker Dario Silva back after a one-match ban.