Real and Betis seek morale boost
A boost to damaged morale is the prize at stake in Seville when Real Madrid play Real Betis on Saturday, with both sides suffering consecutive league defeats in the last five days.
A boost to damaged morale is the prize at stake in Seville when Real Madrid play Real Betis on Saturday, with both sides suffering consecutive league defeats in the last five days.
Real's 2-1 reverse against Valencia last weekend was quickly followed by a 3-1 surrender to Deportivo Coruna on Wednesday, and has ruthlessly exposed the side's reliance on key players.
Brazilian striker Ronaldo, leading scorer with seven goals, forward Julio Baptista and right back Michel Salgado have all been absent for these games, with the first two not due back for at least another two weeks.
Denmark midfielder Thomas Gravesen has a knee injury while France midfielder Zinedine Zidane continues to struggle with a groin injury and is unlikely to play.
England captain David Beckham is expected to be fit despite training apart from the rest of the side on Thursday.
The most worrying aspect of Real's defeats for coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo has been their inability to dictate games from the midfield, where they have been outplayed and outfought.
"Playing like this we won't win anywhere," Real's Uruguayan midfielder Pablo Garcia said after the defeat to Depor.
"They were more focused and chased everything. We need to put our foot in more. When we work hard and lose then that's one thing, but I was furious with that display."
Real, who are sixth three points behind leaders Osasuna, take on a Betis side in disarray.
Betis have conceded 12 goals in their defeats to Malaga, Villarreal and Chelsea in the Champions League last week.
Defender Melli and winger Joaquin received straight red cards in the controversial 3-2 defeat to Villarreal on Wednesday and miss Saturday's encounter.
On Sunday Osasuna have home advantage against Espanyol, while second-placed Getafe travel to face Deportivo.
Champions Barcelona, who have moved up to third, are showing signs of recovering last year's form and have a third consecutive home game to help build their momentum.
They are unbeaten in six league starts and host an in-form Real Sociedad, who have overcome their shaky start to put together a run of four games without loss.
At the other end of the table pressure is mounting on Athletic Bilbao coach Jose Luis Mendilibar after they slipped to their sixth defeat in seven with their 3-2 defeat to Osasuna.
They go into their home game with Celta Vigo propping up the standings.