Spanish first division matches, May 31- June 1
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:
REAL MADRID vs. CELTA VIGO
After an impressive 2-1 win away to Valencia, Real will be aiming to keep the pressure on leaders Sociedad with a victory over high-flying Celta at the Bernabeu.
French midfielder Claude Makelele returns to action against his old side and Raul and Zinedine Zidane will start after shaking off minor injuries, but the versatile Guti is suspended.
Celta will make for tough opponents as they bid to retain their Champions League spot, but they will be without live-wire Egyptian striker Mido who is out with a thigh injury.
Sunday:
ALAVES vs. REAL BETIS
A last throw of the dice for Alaves who could be relegated after five seasons in the top flight if they fail to beat an out-of-form Betis this weekend.
The Basque side, who have won just once in their last 13 outings, are four points adrift of safety and will need to win all of their remaining games if they are to be in with a chance of saving themselves.
Opponents Betis have not won in seven and have little to play for now that they are out of the race for a UEFA Cup place.
BARCELONA vs. MALAGA
Barca are still in the hunt for a UEFA Cup place, but will need to put aside the off-the-field distractions of the club presidential elections if they are to ensure they do not miss out on European competition for the first time in their history.
Dutch defender Michael Reiziger is suspended, but otherwise Barca will be close to full strength when they host the abrasive Andalucians.
DEPORTIVO CORUNA vs. ATLETICO MADRID
Depor effectively waved goodbye to their title hopes with their 3-0 defeat against Celta last week, but will be anxious to claim a home win just in case the top two slip up this weekend.
Atletico will be looking to striker Fernando Torres, who came off the bench to score twice and secure a 3-2 win over Villarreal last week, to inspire them as they continue their bid for a place in Europe.
RACING SANTANDER vs. ESPANYOL
Following their 3-1 win over Alaves last week, Espanyol are almost certain of survival in the top flight, but opponents Racing, who were unlucky to slip to a last minute defeat at Athletic Bilbao last week, still need a point or two to avoid a nervous end to the season.
REAL MALLORCA vs. RAYO VALLECANO
Mallorca coach Gregorio Manzano, who saved Rayo from relegation last season, could end up condemning his old side to life in the second division.
Mallorca have lost just twice in 11 matches and still have a chance of a UEFA Cup place, while even if they win Rayo will face the drop if fellow strugglers Osasuna take a point from their visit to Valladolid.
REAL SOCIEDAD vs. VALENCIA
Sociedad withstood the pressure from title rivals Real Madrid with a nerveless 2-0 win over Malaga last week, but they now face an even tougher test against Valencia.
Despite a 2-1 defeat at home to Real last week, Valencia are looking in good shape and with a Champions League qualifying place up for grabs they seem certain to provide stiff resistance.
SEVILLA vs. RECREATIVO HUELVA
Two defeats in a row mean that Recreativo must win against UEFA Cup hopefuls Sevilla if they are to avoid a swift return to the second division after just a season in the top flight.
Sevilla striker Antonito should retain his place in the starting line-up after notching a neat double in his side's 3-1 win at Mallorca last week.
VALLADOLID vs. OSASUNA
Osasuna are four points clear of the relegation zone, but will need a win if they are to ward off being drawn into the relegation dog-fight. Valladolid are still not quite out of the woods, but a point should be enough.
VILLARREAL vs. ATHLETIC BILBAO
An eight-match unbeaten run has kept Athletic on course for a return to European competition. Jupp Heynckes's side now have a four-point advantage over the quartet of teams chasing them for the final UEFA Cup place.
But they will have to do without the in-form Franciso Yeste in midfield who is suspended after picking up a fifth yellow card in last week's 2-1 win over Racing.