Spanish first division matches, March 1-2
Defending champions Valencia are aiming to bounce back from a comprehensive 3-0 midweek European defeat at the hands of AS Roma when they make the tricky away trip to face Celta Vigo in the league on Sunday.
Defending champions Valencia are aiming to bounce back from a comprehensive 3-0 midweek European defeat at the hands of AS Roma when they make the tricky away trip to face Celta Vigo in the league on Sunday.
"The Roma defeat was a very painful blow for us," midfielder David Albelda said. "But if there is a team that has got its feet on the ground and is capable of doing the necessary hard work to get back on track then it is Valencia."
Valencia may have slipped up in their Champions League campaign, but they have been the model of consistency on the domestic front dropping just two points out of the last 18 to keep the pressure on the leading duo.
Following last week's 4-0 thrashing of lowly Rayo Vallecano, Rafa Benitez's side are level on points with second-placed Real Madrid and just two behind leaders Real Sociedad.
The Balaidos stadium has traditionally been a difficult venue for Valencia but their chances of a victory will be boosted by the fact that Celta's inspirational midfielder Alexander Mostovoi is suspended after being sent off in last week's 1-1 draw against Malaga.
Valencia may also be without Argentine playmaker Pablo Aimar, who is nursing a minor groin strain, but should still be in with a good chance of taking their first victory in Vigo in nine seasons.
Other matches being played this weekend:
Saturday:
ALAVES vs. REAL MADRID
Alaves will be anxious to restore their pride after their embarrassing 6-0 thrashing by Deportivo Coruna last week, but the Basque side face a daunting task against Real who beat them 5-2 at the Bernabeu earlier in the season.
Real have a couple of injury worries with Luis Figo and the in-form Raul both trying to shrug off minor knocks, while the tireless midfielder Claude Makelele is serving a one-match ban.
Midweek hero Javier Portillo, who grabbed a last-gasp equaliser in Tuesday's Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund, will step in if Raul can't make it and the versatile Guti is likely to feature in the midfield.
ATHLETIC BILBAO vs. RECREATIVO HUELVA
Basement club Recreativo received a welcome boost with last weekend's impressive 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid, but still remain four points adrift at the bottom of the table.
The Andalucians will have to make do without leading striker Raul Molina as they make the daunting trip to face the Basque side that are unbeaten in their last five games. Bilbao centre forward Ismael Urzaiz is a doubt because of 'flu.
ESPANYOL vs. REAL MALLORCA
After a brief revival under new coach Javier Clemente, relegation-threatened Espanyol have lost form once more, but opponents Mallorca are also slipping down the standings and have not won in their last six outings.
Espanyol's Italian defender Moreno Torricelli is suspended after his red card in last week's 1-0 defeat at Sevilla.
Playing on Sunday:
ATLETICO MADRID vs. MALAGA
Malaga are on a high after a 1-0 win away to AEK Athens saw them make it through to the last eight of the UEFA Cup and are certain to make life difficult for Atletico who slumped to a surprise 3-0 defeat at lowly Recreativo last week.
Atletico will be missing former Barca defender Sergi and midfielder Txomin Nagore because of suspensions, but coach Luis Aragones must be hoping that the roasting he gave the team in training this week will spark a reaction from his players.
OSASUNA vs. BARCELONA
The appointment of new coach Radomir Antic appears to have worked wonders at Barca who moved up to eighth following their 4-0 demolition of Betis last week. But Antic will have to remodel his team in the face of a string of injury problems.
Dutch midfielder Philip Cocu is out for two months after tearing a knee ligament in Wednesday's 0-0 draw at Inter Milan. Inspirational defender Carles Puyol broke his cheekbone in the same match and will be replaced by Swedish defender Patrik Andersson, playing his first league match in over a year.
Leading striker Patrick Kluivert is doubtful because of a muscle strain.
RACING SANTANDER vs. DEPORTIVO CORUNA
Three wins on the trot have catapulted Dmitry Piterman's Racing into 10th place, but they will face a tough test against a powerful Deportivo.
The Galicians fired six past Alaves last week and their potent strike duo of Roy Makaay and Diego Tristan will be strengthened by the likely return of influential playmaker Juan Carlos Valeron.
REAL BETIS vs. SEVILLA
Always a passionate affair, the Seville derby promises to be more intense than ever after a midweek war of words between players from the rival camps. Betis will be out to renew their bid for a European place after last week's disappointing 4-0 defeat at Barca.
VALLADOLID vs. REAL SOCIEDAD
Although they have not been at their best in recent weeks, Sociedad have managed to withstand the pressure from Real Madrid and Valencia and keep their noses in front in the title race.
Valladolid, who were unlucky to slip to a 3-1 defeat against Real Madrid last week, will make for tough opponents, however, and Sociedad will need to be on their guard against an upset.
VILLARREAL vs. RAYO VALLECANO
The outlook for Rayo is looking increasingly bleak and their 4-0 surrender to Valencia will have further damaged morale at the modest Madrid-based club.
Like their opponents, Villarreal have also lost their last two games but have made a bid to strengthen their flagging attack by signing Mexican striker Antonio de Nigris.