Spanish first division matches, May 10-11
Deportivo Coruna know they can ill afford a slip-up in their tricky away game against Malaga on Saturday if they are to keep pace with their rivals in the race for the Spanish first division title.
Deportivo Coruna know they can ill afford a slip-up in their tricky away game against Malaga on Saturday if they are to keep pace with their rivals in the race for the Spanish first division title.
The Galician side, who have won four out of their last five games, are level on points with Real Sociedad and just one adrift of leaders Real Madrid as the three teams prepare for their final six matches.
Depor's hopes of winning the championship could rest on the shoulders of prolific striker Roy Makaay.
The Dutch marksman took his tally to 27 goals after firing in a hat-trick in last week's 5-0 win over relegation-threatened Recreativo Huelva.
Fortunately for Depor he has shrugged off a throat infection and should be fit to face the rugged Andalucian side.
Depor coach Javier Irureta may also field fellow striker Albert Luque, who has been struggling with a muscle strain, but will have to do without first choice goalkeeper Jose Molina and defenders Cesar and Jorge Andrade who are all out injured.
Opponents Malaga, looking to continue their bid for a place in the UEFA Cup, are missing Uruguayan striker Dario Silva who is serving the first of a two-match ban after his sending off in last week's goalless draw at Villarreal. Playmaker Kizito Musampa is injured.
Other matches being played in the Spanish first division this weekend:
Saturday:
ATHLETIC BILBAO vs. VALLADOLID
Bilbao's five-game unbeaten run, which culminated in last week's 5-1 thrashing of Osasuna, has left Jupp Heynckes's side on the brink of a UEFA Cup place. But the Basque side will have been unnerved by the news of a two-year ban for midfielder Carlos Gurpegi following his positive test for nandrolone.
Valladolid eased their relegation worries with a comprehensive 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid last time out and are now six points clear of the drop zone.
ATLETICO MADRID vs. ALAVES
This week's announcement by coach Luis Aragones that he would be leaving at the end of the season will have done little to calm the unsettled atmosphere at Atletico who have taken just three points in their last seven games.
Relegation-threatened Alaves, who have gone 10 games without a win, will be looking to come away from the game with at least a point as they battle to beat the drop.
ESPANYOL vs. OSASUNA
Despite a nine-game unbeaten run Espanyol are still only four points above the danger zone, but Javier Clemente's side will be odds on favourites to claim a win against lowly Osasuna, who have won just once in 10 games.
RECREATIVO HUELVA vs. REAL MADRID
Real will be anxious to bounce back from their humiliating 5-1 home defeat against Mallorca. But the struggling Andalucians will be hoping to take advantage of Real's Champions League distractions to spring a surprise at the Nuevo Colombino.
Ronaldo is out with a calf injury and Luis Figo is doubtful because of a groin strain, but Raul may make an appearance after his rapid recovery from his recent appendix operation.
Sunday:
CELTA VIGO vs. RACING SANTANDER
Despite two successive goalless draws Celta have managed to retain their grip on the final Champions League berth. They will be hoping that Egyptian striker Mido recovers in time from a leg injury to face an improving Racing, who have eased their relegation worries with a five-match unbeaten run.
RAYO VALLECANO vs. REAL BETIS
Hope is fading fast for Rayo, who have taken just two points from their last seven games and shipped 11 goals in their last three defeats.
Betis should prove too strong, but Victor Fernandez's side have been none too impressive in recent weeks, winning just once in their last nine outings.
REAL MALLORCA vs. REAL SOCIEDAD
Mallorca's sparkling 5-1 thrashing of Real Madrid at the Bernabeu last week will have provided Sociedad with ample warning of the dangers posed by the islanders. A win for the Basque side, though, would provide them with a major boost in the title run-in.
SEVILLA vs. BARCELONA
Two wins and a draw in their last three games have allowed Barca to close in on a UEFA Cup place, but the morale of Radomir Antic's side will have been dented by their midweek exit from the Catalan Cup.
Barca will be without winger Marc Overmars who picked up an injury in the Cup defeat against Terrassa. Sevilla will be keen to bounce back from three straight defeats.
VALENCIA vs. VILLARREAL
A must-win game for Valencia if they are to keep the pressure on Celta in the race for the final Champions League slot. Rafa Benitez's side should prove too strong for neighbours Villarreal, but have been in unpredictable form of late.