Primera Liga matches, October 18-19

Primera Liga champions Real Madrid will be on their guard when they resume the defence of their Spanish title with a trip to out-of-sorts Celta Vigo on Saturday.

The Galicians, who qualified for the Champions League after a fourth-place finish last season, have made a stuttering start to the domestic campaign, recording just one victory in their first six games.

But Real, who have come away with narrow victories from their last two visits to Balaidos, are aware that Miguel Angel Lotina's side are more than capable of producing an upset.

"Celta are a very good side and we will have to work very hard if we want to get anything from this game," Real defender Michel Salgado said of his former club this week.

"They are a team who play good football and they have some classy players who are capable of turning a game at any time."

Although their league form has been poor, Celta provided a glimpse of their potential when they outplayed European champions AC Milan in their goalless draw at Balaidos at the start of this month and are now looking forward to a chance to prove themselves against Real.

"I think it is the perfect game for us right now," says midfielder Peter Luccin. "It may be worth just three points, but if you beat Real it gives you a massive boost in confidence."

Other matches being played in the Primera Liga this weekend:

Saturday:

ALBACETE vs. REAL SOCIEDAD

Last season's runners-up Sociedad have taken just one point from their last two games and will need to return to winning ways against unfancied Albacete if they want to stay in touch with the front runners.

Live-wire Turkish forward Nihat Kahveci has been suffering from a knee injury sustained in last week's Euro 2004 qualifier against England, but should recover in time to renew his partnership with Darko Kovacevic up front.

BARCELONA vs. DEPORTIVO CORUNA

A Ronaldinho-inspired Barca recorded their first home win of the season with an 8-0 destruction of Slovak side Puchov in the UEFA Cup on Wednesday, but they will have a much tougher task on their hands against high-flying Deportivo.

Uruguayan striker Walter Pandiani has been in outstanding form for Depor this term, topping the scoring charts with six goals in six games.

Sunday:

ATHLETIC BILBAO vs. VILLARREAL

Unbeaten Villarreal continued their great start to the season by winning through to the second round of the UEFA Cup with a dramatic 3-2 win away to Turkish side Trabzonspor.

Wednesday's victory took its toll, though, with striker Victor picking up an injury that will put him out of the game against Bilbao, who are still licking their wounds following their embarrassing first round exit from the King's Cup at the hands of third round opposition last week.

ATLETICO MADRID vs. REAL MALLORCA

The return of Luis Aragones to the Mallorca dug-out inspired the out-of-form islanders to a 4-2 win over APOEL Nicosia in the UEFA Cup, Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o celebrating the reappearance of his mentor with a well taken hat-trick.

As chance would have it the grand old man of Spanish football has now been pitted against his former side Atletico in his first league match in charge.

In a further twist of fate Atletico, who are in the relegation zone after winning just once this term, are now coached by former Mallorca boss Gregorio Manzano, while a host of players who will take to the field on Sunday have played for both clubs in recent seasons.

OSASUNA vs. MURCIA

Javier Aguirre's Osasuna are the surprise package of the early season, moving into fourth place in the table after a string of gritty performances against some of the division's most fancied outfits.

But the Navarrans face last season's second division champions Murcia without keeper Ricardo Sanzol and defender Josetxo, while Australian striker John Aloisi is doubtful.

RACING SANTANDER vs. MALAGA

Racing have made a solid start to the season, playing some attractive football under former Recreativo Huelva coach Lucas Alcaraz. But they will be missing striker Javi Guerrero when they face a revived Malaga, who claimed a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Celta last time out.

REAL ZARAGOZA vs. VALLADOLID

Zaragoza have struggled to find their feet since their return to the top flight, but will still be favourites to notch their second win of the season against an inconsistent Valladolid who were thumped 4-0 by Santander in their last game.

SEVILLA vs. REAL BETIS

The Seville derby is always an intense hard-fought affair, but recent matches have seen little of note on the footballing front.

Young Seville forward Jose Antonio Reyes, who scored two goals for Spain last week, and talented Betis winger Joaquin, who extended his contract to 2010 this week, have the potential to provide some much-needed entertainment on the pitch.

VALENCIA vs. ESPANYOL

Five wins in a row, including victories over Real and Barca, have made Valencia deserved leaders of the Primera Liga.

Rafa Benitez's well-oiled defensive machine has conceded just one goal this season and they will start as overwhelming favourites against bottom club Espanyol at the Mestalla.