Spanish first division matches, May 24-25
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:
ATHLETIC BILBAO vs. RACING SANTANDER
Bilbao will be able to call on the services of midfielder Carlos Gurpegi, who had his doping ban lifted on Thursday, as they look to defend their UEFA Cup place against Racing.
Despite a 2-0 defeat at home to Atletico last week the Cantabrians are almost secure from the threat of relegation.
ATLETICO MADRID vs. VILLARREAL
Hardly a week passes without some new off-the-field incident at Atletico. This time owner Jesus Gil caught everyone off guard by announcing that he would be stepping down as club president after 16 years at the helm.
But the players will need to concentrate on matters on the pitch if they are to revive their UEFA Cup hopes with a win against an improving Villarreal side who smashed five past Celta last week.
CELTA VIGO vs. DEPORTIVO CORUNA
Plenty at stake for both sides in what promises to be a tense Galician derby at Balaidos.
Depor lost top spot last week after their 2-1 defeat at home to Valencia, while nine-man Celta slipped out of the final Champions League berth after their embarrassing 5-0 thrashing at Villarreal.
Celta will have to make do without Egyptian striker Mido and French midfielder Peter Luccin after their red cards last week, but winger Gustavo Lopez should be back fit. The inspirational Mauro Silva returns to the Depor midfield after serving a one-match suspension.
RAYO VALLENCANO vs. OSASUNA
After taking just two points from their last five games Rayo look destined for the drop. The only way they will be able to keep their faint hopes alive will be with a win against fellow strugglers Osasuna, who themselves are just three points above the danger zone.
VALENCIA vs. REAL MADRID
Could prove to be the crunch match for Real as they bid to recapture the title they last won two seasons ago. Mestalla has always been a difficult venue for Real and even more so this time given that there is so much at stake for both teams.
Real, who are just a point adrift of leaders Sociedad, will be without tireless midfielder Claude Makelele, who is still nursing a thigh injury, but will be able to count on the services of Ronaldo who has shaken off a calf problem.
Valencia, who moved back into the final Champions League berth with an impressive 2-1 win away to Deportivo last week, will also be missing hardworking midfielder David Albelda, who is suspended, while Francisco Rufete and Miguel Angel Angulo are doubtful because of injury.
Sunday:
ESPANYOL vs. ALAVES
Alaves will need a miraculous change in form if they are to avoid relegation. A 4-2 defeat at home to Basque rivals Bilbao last week meant that they have taken one point from their last 12 games and they will need to take urgent action to plug the holes in their leaky defence.
In contrast, the threat of relegation is fading for Javier Clemente's Espanyol who extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches after last week's 1-1 draw at Valladolid.
MALAGA vs. REAL SOCIEDAD
Sociedad's third win in a row -- a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Recreativo -- helped them reclaim top spot last week, but the Basque side will need to be on their guard against a Malaga side who are still licking their wounds after last week's 5-1 thrashing at the Bernabeu.
REAL BETIS vs. VALLADOLID
Betis started the season in great form, but have stalled badly in recent months and have now gone six games without a win. To make matters worse they will have to make do without Argentine forward Gaston Casas for the rest of the campaign after he was handed a four-match ban this week for hitting an opponent.
Valladolid have a reassuring seven-point cushion above the relegation zone.
REAL MALLORCA vs. SEVILLA
With just one defeat in their last 10 matches Mallorca are in hot pursuit of a UEFA Cup place and will be favourites to edge this one against Sevilla who have gone off the boil.
RECREATIVO HUELVA vs. BARCELONA
Despite their 2-1 defeat at home to Mallorca last weekend Barcelona remain in the hunt for a European place, but Radomir Antic's side will face a tricky task against the struggling Andalucians who are making a brave bid to avoid relegation.