Spanish first division matches, May 18-20
Real Madrid could be crowned Spanish champions on Sunday if they beat neighbours Rayo Vallecano and second-placed Deportivo Coruna slip up at Oviedo.
Real Madrid could be crowned Spanish champions on Sunday if they beat neighbours Rayo Vallecano and second-placed Deportivo Coruna slip up at Oviedo.
Real, who face Rayo at the Teresa Rivero stadium (kickoff 1800 GMT), need only six points from their last four matches to secure their first league title in four years. Real have only taken two points from their last three games, but given their six-point cushion at the top of the table they are still confident of taking their first title of the season. "It is true that we have lost form recently," said coach Vicente Del Bosque. "We are not playing our best, but we still have a sufficient advantage over our rivals to achieve what we want."
With skipper Fernando Hierro and midfielder Ivan Helguera both suspended Ivan Campo and Steve McManaman will return to the side. Del Bosque has also hinted that Cesar will keep his place as keeper after Iker Casillas was surprisingly left out last week.
Leading goal scorer Raul has been laid low by a viral infection for much of the week and is doubtful, leaving the way open to Pedro Munitis to partner Guti in attack. Rayo are anxious to put last week's 5-1 thrashing at the
hands of Barcelona behind them and would dearly love to delay Real's victory celebrations for at least a week longer.
Other matches being played in the Spanish first division this weekend (league positions in parentheses)
Friday
Valencia (3) vs Athletic Bilbao (11) 19:30
Fabian Ayala, Ruben Baraja and Kily Gonzalez are all suspended for Valencia, while coach Hector Cuper has decided to rest Gaizka Mendieta and Jocelyn Angloma ahead of next week's Champions League final against Bayern Munich. However, Cuper wants a morale-boosting win after last week's surprise 3-0 defeat at Malaga. Bilbao, with only two away wins all season, have not won at the Mestalla for 13 years.
Saturday
Alaves (9) vs Barcelona (5) 19:30
After their midweek UEFA Cup heroics, Alaves can be assured of a full house as they entertain Catalan giants Barcelona. The Basque side need a win if they are to challenge for a place in next year's European competition. But Barca, who hit form against Rayo Vallecano last week, will make tough opponents as they bid for a place in next season's Champions League.
Sunday
Celta Vigo (6) vs Numancia (20) 16:00
Despite last week's 1-0 win at home to Osasuna, Numancia remain two points adrift at the bottom of the table and need at least a point to have any chance of staying in the top flight. After their 2-0 loss at Mallorca, Celta need a win if they are to stay in contention for a UEFA Cup place.
Espanyol (10) vs Real Mallorca (4) 16:00
Real Mallorca have stayed the pace and continue to look strong candidates for a place in next year's Champions League. They remain three points ahead of Barcelona and are level on points with Valencia who will no doubt be distracted by their date with Bayern next week. Defender Fernando Nino is suspended, while reserve goalkeeper Miki will retain his place as Leo Franco and German Burgos are still injured. After their 2-2 draw against Real at the Bernabeu, Espanyol are assured of a comfortable mid-table finish.
Osasuna (18) vs Las Palmas (12) 16:00
A must-win game for Osasuna as they continue their bid to remain in the top flight. For Las Palmas, young striker Orlando, who scored both goals in a 2-1 win over Zaragoza, should retain his place up front while Croatian midfielder Robert Jarni is serving a one-match ban.
Real Oviedo (15) vs Deportivo Coruna (2) 17:00
Deportivo must win if they are to keep their faint hopes of retaining their title alive, but will be without the creative presence of Djalminha who has not recovered from a niggling leg injury. Oviedo are fighting for survival after their 2-0 loss to Racing Santander and Radomir Antic will be hoping their excellent home form will help them to safety.
Real Sociedad (17) vs Malaga (7) 16:00
John Toshack's side have given themselves a fighting chance of survival after their 3-1 win at Villarreal and the Welshman will have been heartened by the fine form of Turkish forward Tayfun Korkut. But Real will have their hands full with Malaga's Panamanian striker Dely Valdes, who notched a fine hat-trick in last week's 3-0 win over Valencia.
Real Zaragoza (14) vs Villarreal (8) 17:00
Zaragoza are only four points clear of the relegation zone and need to make the most of their good form at home. Daniel Montenegro is likely to fill in for forward Paulo Jamelli who was suspended after his sending off during last week's 2-1 defeat at Las Palmas. Villarreal, only a point adrift of the UEFA Cup places, are missing suspended defender Quique Alavarez.
Valladolid (16) vs Racing Santander (19) 16:00
A relegation six-pointer with big implications for both sides. Racing, yet to win away all season, are without defender Washington Tais who was sent off during last week's 2-0 win over Oviedo. Valladolid, who are also battling against the threat of bankruptcy, will be relying on their fine home form to keep the relegation threat at bay.