Primera Liga matches, October 25-26
Spain's two form teams, Valencia and Deportivo Coruna, will battle for the Primera Liga leadership in a fascinating top-of-the-table clash at the Riazor on Saturday.
Spain's two form teams, Valencia and Deportivo Coruna, will battle for the Primera Liga leadership in a fascinating top-of-the-table clash at the Riazor on Saturday.
Valencia have stormed to the top of the standings after a six-match winning streak that has included resounding victories over Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Brilliantly marshalled by impish Argentine playmaker Pablo Aimar and rugged central midfielder Ruben Baraja, Rafa Benitez's side have a mental toughness and will to win that has left them the only unbeaten team in the division.
Up front, former Real Madrid youth team player Mista has provided the finishing touches while, at the back, the miserly defence has been breached just once -- in the opening match against Valladolid.
Deportivo have been almost as impressive, a 3-2 defeat at high-flying Osasuna the only blot on their copybook so far this term.
Like Valencia, Javier Irureta's side are a compact and well-oiled outfit.
They have a prodigiously skilled playmaker in Juan Carlos Valeron and an experienced back four with the second-best defensive record in the league.
Uruguayan target man Walter Pandiani, joint top scorer in the Primera Liga with six goals in seven games, has been in irresistible form alongside the lively Albert Luque.
Other matches being played in the Primera Liga this weekend:
Saturday:
MALAGA vs. REAL ZARAGOZA
Malaga conceded three goals in 24 minutes in their 4-2 defeat at Racing Santander last week, but they will be reassured that Zaragoza have had problems finding the net this term.
Zaragoza defender Gabriel Milito and Malaga striker Salva Ballesta are doubtful after picking up injuries last week.
REAL MADRID vs. RACING SANTANDER
David Beckham will miss out as Real look to extend their perfect home record at the Bernabeu with a fourth win of the season. The England skipper suffered a hamstring injury in Real's 1-0 win over Partizan Belgrade in midweek.
Real are otherwise at full strength, but the champions will need to be on their guard against the high-flying Cantabrians, who climbed into fifth place after their entertaining 4-2 win over Malaga last time out.
Sunday:
ESPANYOL vs. CELTA VIGO
Bottom club Espanyol are the only side left in the division without a win and last week were crushed 4-0 at Valencia, their fifth defeat in a row.
However Celta have produced just one victory this season so a hard-fought encounter is on the cards.
MURCIA vs. ATLETICO MADRID
Atletico scrambled a late win against Mallorca last week, thanks to a brilliant last-gasp free kick from substitute Jorge, and will be bidding to claim a third win of the season against fellow strugglers Murcia.
Midfielder Ariel Ibagaza is a doubtful starter for Atletico, while Murcia are without injured defenders Francisco Maciel and Mikel Roteta, as well as Lluis Carreras and Daniel Jensen who were sent off in last week's 2-1 defeat at Osasuna.
REAL BETIS vs. ALBACETE
Betis have not lost since their 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid on the opening day of the season, and did well to claim a 2-2 draw against city rivals Seville last week.
They are up against an improving Albacete, who surprised many with a comprehensive 3-1 at home last week against Real Sociedad.
REAL MALLORCA Vs. BARCELONA
The alarm bells are ringing at Barca as the team struggle to find form. Three games without scoring a goal and only two wins this season are a poor return for a side that was aiming to challenge the leaders.
REAL SOCIEDAD vs. OSASUNA
A surprise 3-1 defeat at lowly Albacete last Sunday and a more predictable 4-2 loss away to Juventus on Tuesday have made it a bad week for Sociedad, who face another tricky game at home to the high-flying Navarrans.
VALLADOLID vs. ATHLETIC BILBAO
Valladolid have lost three in a row. Their shaky defence will have a hard job containing Bilbao forwards Ismael Urzaiz and Joseba Etxeberria, who put an end to Villarreal's unbeaten run last week.
VILLARREAL vs. SEVILLA
A tight match between two of the most competitive outfits in the top flight. Villarreal were dealt their first defeat of the season at Bilbao last week and opponents Sevilla have also lost just once this term.