Spanish first division matches, February 22-23

Real Madrid have another chance to take at least temporary charge of the Spanish first division when they host Valladolid on Saturday.

Real suffered only their second league defeat of the season away to Osasuna last weekend but leaders Real Sociedad failed to take advantage, a last-minute penalty consigning them to a 3-2 loss at Real Betis.

That left Sociedad just two points clear at the top of the table and they could find themselves in second spot by the time they host Osasuna on Sunday.

Real Madrid's hopes of replacing the Basque side should be boosted by their much-needed victory over Borussia Dortmund in midweek, a result that revived their Champions League campaign.

They face another vital European game on Tuesday, however, when they travel for the return against the German side, and that could see coach Vicente del Bosque resting players for the match against Valladolid.

Zinedine Zidane is the obvious candidate for a break, after the Frenchman suffered back pain in the second half against Dortmund.

Brazilian midfielder Flavio Conceicao could also drop out of the starting line-up, with Esteban Cambiasso standing by, while Luis Figo is suspended following his sending-off against Osasuna.

Valladolid have slipped down the table in recent weeks and now lie 14th, just five points above the relegation zone.

They managed a 2-2 draw against Real at the Bernabeu last season, though, and will be far from overawed by the occasion.

Other matches being played in the Spanish first division this weekend.

Saturday:

BARCELONA vs. REAL BETIS

Barcelona set a Champions League record with their 11th successive victory in the competition against Inter Milan on Tuesday.

The Catalans have improved since the arrival of Radomir Antic in place of Louis van Gaal but they are still in the bottom half of the table and they will look to translate some of their European form on to the domestic stage.

Argentine fullback Juan Pablo Sorin, ineligible for the Champions League, will return to the starting line-up if he shakes off a minor injury. Betis also have an injury doubt over Brazilian free kick specialist Marcos Assuncao.

DEPORTIVO CORUNA vs. ALAVES

Deportivo will need to pick themselves up after a desperately disappointing defeat to Basel in the Champions League on Wednesday. Coach Javier Irureta is likely to make several changes in his side as they look to keep up with the league leaders.

Playing on Sunday:

MALAGA vs. CELTA VIGO

Malaga outplayed AEK Athens in the UEFA Cup in midweek but they couldn't find their touch in front of goal and had to settle for a goalless draw. They will have to be sharper in attack for the visit of Celta, who crushed Recreativo Huelva last week to stay within sight of the Champions League places.

RAYO VALLECANO vs. VALENCIA

Rayo are generally at their best in home matches against the country's top teams and they are desperately in need of something special against in-form Valencia, who could go top of the table if they win here and Real Sociedad and Real Madrid lose.

REAL MALLORCA vs. ATHLETIC BILBAO

Mallorca have lost four successive league games and another defeat here could leave them just two points off the relegation places. They will be up against a Bilbao side on a four-match unbeaten run and with their sights now set on Europe.

REAL SOCIEDAD vs. OSASUNA

Real Sociedad need to get back to winning ways as soon as possible after taking just a point from their last three matches. They will be boosted by the return of Spanish international winger Javi de Pedro after a two-match ban.

Osasuna frustrated Real Madrid's hopes of returning to the top of the table with their surprise victory last time out but they are likely to face a tougher time this weekend away from El Sadar.

RECREATIVO HUELVA vs. ATLETICO MADRID

Recreativo coach Lucas Alcaraz will have problems naming a side with four defenders out injured. Atletico should be able to take advantage against the bottom team to boost their hopes of a European place for next season.

SEVILLA vs. ESPANYOL

Mariano Toedtli has recovered from injury and the Argentine will be back up front for Sevilla in this key relegation clash. Espanyol turned in one of their worst displays of the season in last week's derby defeat at home to Barcelona but they should have Spanish international forward Raul Tamudo back in the starting line-up

VILLARREAL vs. RACING SANTANDER

Villarreal have an injury doubt over influential defender Juliano Belletti for this clash with in-form Racing, who have won their last two games under the coaching partnership of Chuchi Cos and club president Dmitry Piterman.