Primera Liga matches, October 2-3
Real Madrid will want to prove that their spectacular comeback win over Roma in midweek was not just a flash in the pan when they host an out-of-form Deportivo Coruna at the Bernabeu on Sunday (kickoff 1900 GMT).
Real Madrid will want to prove that their spectacular comeback win over Roma in midweek was not just a flash in the pan when they host an out-of-form Deportivo Coruna at the Bernabeu on Sunday (kickoff 1900 GMT).
Real, in crisis after three defeats in four games and the shock departure of coach Jose Antonio Camacho, appeared to be heading for another loss when they trailed 2-0 after 22 minutes on Tuesday.
But two goals from captain Raul, a Luis Figo penalty and a trademark thunderbolt from Roberto Carlos gave the nine-times European champions a 4-2 win.
"Everything is going to change because of this result," coach Mariano Garcia Remon said. "We've regained our confidence and rediscovered our touch."
With Brazilian striker Ronaldo unlikely to play after picking up a thigh injury, Garcia Remon must decide who to play alongside Raul, who appears to have shaken off a minor groin strain.
Fernando Morientes and Michael Owen are anxiously awaiting their chance to get a run out in the starting line-up.
Deportivo have also made a disappointing start to the season. The Galicians lost 2-0 to Monaco in the Champions League on Tuesday and are 14th in the table after notching just one league win in five games.
Missing the presence of midfield stalwart Mauro Silva and striker Diego Tristan, Javier Irureta's side need a major improvement in form if they are to take anything away from their visit to the Bernabeu.
Other matches this weekend (league positions in brackets, kickoffs 1500 GMT unless stated):
Saturday:
REAL BETIS (12) v VALENCIA (1) 1800
Champions Valencia experienced their first setback of the season when they lost 2-1 away to Werder Bremen in midweek.
They will have to do without the services of in-form winger Vicente who is sidelined for two weeks after twisting his ankle in the match.
Former Valencia striker Ricardo Oliveira should lead the Betis attack against his old club.
REAL SOCIEDAD (20) v ATLETICO MADRID (4) 2000
Atletico claimed a flattering 1-0 win over Villarreal last week and will have to make do without injured French midfielder Peter Luccin and defender Luis Perea, who was sent off.
Runners-up in the league two seasons ago, winless Sociedad prop up the table after their 2-1 defeat at Sevilla and will be without French defender Jeremie Brechet who is out for four months after a recurrence of an Achilles' heel injury.
Sunday:
ALBACETE (19) v ESPANYOL (3)
Espanyol continued their fine start to the season with a 1-0 win over Malaga last week, courtesy of inspirational midfielder Ivan de la Pena's goal. Opponents Albacete are one of three teams yet to win a game this term.
BARCELONA (2) v NUMANCIA (13) 1700
Barcelona are on a high after impressive wins against Mallorca and Shakhtar Donetsk and will be favourites to notch another victory.
African Player of the Year Samuel Eto'o has scored five goals this season and with Ronaldinho, Henrik Larsson and Ludovic Giuly adding further options up front the Catalans are going to take some stopping.
GETAFE (18) v ATHLETIC BILBAO (11)
Athletic followed up their 2-1 win over Real Madrid with an equally impressive 2-0 victory over Trabzonspor in the UEFA Cup and should be too strong for Getafe who are struggling to adjust to life in the top flight.
Athletic midfielder Santi Ezquerro picked up a thigh injury against the Turks and will miss the trip to Madrid.
LEVANTE (10) v REAL MALLORCA (15)
Last season's second division champions Levante have made a surprisingly good start in the top flight and will fancy their chances against the islanders who are without Andrija Delibasic. The striker picked up a thigh strain in the 3-1 defeat against Barcelona.
MALAGA (9) v OSASUNA (5)
Both sides have been given a new lease of life following the arrival of strikers in the close season.
Savo Milosevic has helped propel Osasuna into fifth place in the table with five goals in as many games, while Malaga's strike partnership of Paulo Wanchope and Marcio Amoroso are proving to be a real handful for opposition defences.
RACING SANTANDER (16) v SEVILLA (6)
A young and exciting Sevilla side are living up to their promise with some impressive results.
Brazilian striker Julio Baptista is likely to miss the trip to Santander but the Andalucians, who have qualified for the group stages of the UEFA Cup, can manage without last season's leading scorer.
VILLARREAL (17) v REAL ZARAGOZA (7)
Zaragoza have scored seven goals in the last week while, although they have yet to win in the league, Villarreal rediscovered their scoring touch with a 3-0 win over Swedish side Hammarby in Europe.