Spanish first division matches, June 14-15
Previews of matches being played in the Spanish first division this weekend.
Previews of matches being played in the Spanish first division this weekend:
Saturday:
VALLADOLID vs. RAYO VALLECANO
With the relegation places already decided there is nothing at stake in this game other than pride. Rayo return to the second division after five seasons following their draw at Mallorca two weeks ago.
Sunday:
ATHLETIC BILBAO vs. DEPORTIVO CORUNA
Deportivo must win at San Mames and hope that the top two slip up if they are keep their slim title chances alive, but they will face a tough task against Athletic who also need a victory if they are to defend their place in next season's UEFA Cup.
ATLETICO MADRID vs. REAL MADRID
Even more tension and passion is in prospect than usual in the Madrid derby as Real search for the win that will keep the pressure on leaders Sociedad.
With versatile midfielder Guti recovering from the ankle injury that kept him out of Spain's recent Euro 2004 qualifiers, Real will be at full strength.
Atletico, who still have a slim chance of earning a UEFA Cup place, will be without the suspended Romanian international defender Cosmin Contra, but striker Fernando Torres looks to have recovered full fitness.
CELTA VIGO vs. REAL SOCIEDAD
If Sociedad win and Real fail to beat Atletico, the Basque side would become champions this weekend, but they will have to overcome a Celta side determined to hold on to their Champions League place.
Sociedad will be able to count on the services of leading striker Nihat Kahveci, who has been released from the Confederations Cup by Turkey, while midfielder Xabi Alonso should be back after recovering from a throat infection.
ESPANYOL vs. VILLARREAL
Mission accomplished for two sides that have managed to preserve their first division status for another season. For once coaches Javier Clemente and Benito Floro will be able to sit back and enjoy the encounter at the Montjuic Olympic stadium.
MALAGA vs. SEVILLA
Sevilla are still in with a chance of claiming a place in the UEFA Cup, but must win against Andalucians rivals Malaga if they are to take advantage of any slip up by Athletic Bilbao.
It could be Malaga coach Joaquin Peiro's last home match in charge as the former Atletico Madrid player looks set to move on next season.
OSASUNA vs. ALAVES
Alaves are already relegated, while Osasuna have repeated their annual exercise in escapology and stay in the top flight for another season.
REAL BETIS vs. RACING SANTANDER
Betis are one of the five teams bidding to displace Athletic Bilbao from the final UEFA Cup slot, but they need a win over Racing and a host of results to go their way if they are to have a chance of returning to European competition.
RECREATIVO HUELVA vs. REAL MALLORCA
A taste of things to come when the two sides meet in the final of the King's Cup at the end of the month. Recreativo are already relegated and coach Lucas Alcaraz, who will be leaving the club at the end of the season, may choose to give a run-out to some of his less regular players.
Mallorca are unlikely to do the same as they are still in the hunt for a UEFA Cup place.
VALENCIA vs. BARCELONA
What with all the attention focused on the Barcelona election campaign and the possible signing of David Beckham, this match has received little of the attention it deserves.
Barca must win if they are to keep their hopes alive of direct qualification for next season's UEFA Cup, while Valencia must do the same if they are to have a chance of displacing Celta from the final Champions League berth.
Valencia may have to do without talented playmaker Pablo Aimar who only arrived back from international duty with Argentina on Thursday.