Spanish first division matches, Sept 13-14

Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz will be waiting anxiously for fitness reports on Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Zinedine Zidane as the Spanish champions prepare for Saturday's home match with Valladolid.

Injuries and international call-ups forced Queiroz to name a patched up side for Real's last league game and the performance reflected the coach's selection problems, as they just managed to scrape a 1-1 draw away to Villarreal.

The result left Real in third place after two games, two points behind leaders Deportivo Coruna.

Several players may still be missing for Real, however.

Zidane, who suffered a thigh injury against Villarreal, played most of France's Euro 2004 qualifier against Slovenia on Wednesday but was confined to the swimming pool for work with the club's physiotherapists after arriving back in Madrid the following day.

Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos both played in Brazil's World Cup qualifying win against Ecuador and are not due back in Madrid until Friday afternoon, when a decision will be made on whether they can play against Valladolid.

All three players should be fit enough to be make the squad but Queiroz will be wary of taking risks so close to the club's first Champions League match at home to Olympique Marseille on Tuesday.

"I don't like rotating players but sometimes it's necessary," said Queiroz, who could choose to play Javier Portillo up front in place of Ronaldo and Esteban Cambiasso or Guti in central midfield.

The good news for Real was that England captain David Beckham, Portuguese forward Luis Figo and Spaniards Iker Casillas, Raul and Michel Salgado all came through international games unscathed.

Valladolid are level on points with Real in seventh place after claiming a 1-0 win at home to Malaga in their last league game.

Other matches being played in the Spanish first division this weekend:

Saturday:

CELTA VIGO vs. REAL BETIS

Celta will inevitably be distracted by the prospect of their Champions League debut against Club Bruges on Tuesday and Betis should be capable of taking advantage and claiming their first win of the season.

Former Barcelona striker Alfonso has passed himself fit to play the full 90 minutes against Celta and should start alongside the Argentine Martin Palermo.

RACING SANTANDER vs. REAL SOCIEDAD

Racing have started the season in excellent form and will be confident of claiming another victory over last year's surprise runners-up.

Real Sociedad will be playing their first Champions League match in midweek and coach Raynald Denoueix will have to think hard about whether to include influential midfielder Xabi Alonso in his starting line-up.

Alonso has recovered from the ankle injury he suffered in Spain's 2-1 win over Ukraine this week but it may be too much of a risk to play him with Wednesday's game against Olympiakos in mind.

SEVILLA vs. DEPORTIVO CORUNA

Sevilla will provide a stern test for Deportivo, the only side in the division with maximum points from two games.

Deportivo coach Javier Irureta must decide whether to promote Walter Pandiani from the bench. The Uruguayan striker has come on as a substitute to score two vital goals already this season and could replace Diego Tristan.

Sunday:

ALBACETE vs. BARCELONA

Barcelona have made a decent start with four points from two games under new coach Frank Rijkaard.

Albacete have yet to win a point this term and Barcelona, who will have Patrick Kluivert back after suspension, should enjoy a comfortable evening.

ATHLETIC BILBAO vs. REAL MALLORCA

Bilbao have lost both their games so far this season and they will be wary of the visit of a talented Mallorca side, who will start with the explosive attacking duo of Samuel Eto'o and Arnold Bruggink.

ESPANYOL vs. VILLARREAL

Villarreal will be kicking themselves for failing to beat a weakened Real Madrid side in their last league outing. Espanyol could also be below strength, with strikers Raul Tamudo and Raul Molina both struggling to be fit.

OSASUNA vs. ATLETICO MADRID

Ivory Cost striker Ibrahima Bakayoko could make his first start for Osasuna after completing his move from Olympique Marseille. Atletico will hope to see Fernando Torres back near his best after the young striker made a desperately disappointing competitive debut for Spain in midweek.

REAL ZARAGOZA vs. MURCIA

Zaragoza have yet to get going this season but this clash with Murcia, another side promoted from division two last season, could finally set them on their way.

VALENCIA vs. MALAGA

Ruben Baraja, Carlos Marchena and Vicente all came through Spain's bruising clash wth Ukraine unscathed and should be fit to help Valencia's bid for a first home win of the season. Marcelo Romero has a back injury and is likely to miss out for Malaga.