As Barcelona prepares for a vital game against Athletic, Real Madrid preserves its top players for Tuesday's visit to Gerland for the Champions League first-leg match against Olympique.
One week ago, it looked like Barcelona undisputed leader of the Spanish League, having obtained 48 points in the last 16 games, enjoying a strong momentum that spread also to the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
But two consecutive awkward result (against Sporting and Arsenal) have brought Barcelona back to reality, and now a victory is mandatory to dispel all the judging clouds cast upon Pep Guardiola's head.
Atletico Madrid must take advantage of this visit to La Romareda to return to the upper half of the positions table and fight back on the chase for the last European places. Espanyol and Athletic have settled as the two Europa League favorites at the moment, while Valencia finally leapfrogged Villarreal and claimed the third position with 47 points.
Real Madrid focus its forces for next week's visit to France, as Los Blancos are determined to continue their three-way chase for at least one title and they know they cannot take Olympique Lyon for granted. A victory let Real Madrid shorten the gap from the top to two points, though this minimum disadvantage will most likely last less than a day.
Manolo Preciado's boys rescued a vital point last week in Gijon against Barcelona and must now prepare to visit the Mestalla in great need of the three points to leave the bottom fight behind.
Unai Emery's Ches are exhausted after midweek's European fight against Schalke 04, but they know a victory is mandatory to keep up with Barcelona's and Real Madrid's pace.
It's been over three years since Sporting lastly celebrated a victory at the Mestalla. Sporting's coach will have to do without David Barral (due to disciplinary action) and Javi Poves. "Every point must be fought until the last breath" said Preciado, fully aware of his team's awkward situation.
Big news for Valencia, as Juan Mata appears to be fully fit and ready to return to the starting squad, as well as Joaquin. Except for midweek's draw against Schalke, Valencia has won the last four matches at home.
Uruguayan international Sebastian Eguren and Gaston Sangoy will be responsible for keeping Valencia's midfielders busy and neutralize the attack from the wings.
Will Sporting's defensive formation withstand the massive firepower of Unai Emery's Valencia? The visitors have showed they're to be taken seriously last week in Gijon, will they succeed in Andalosian ground?
Newly promoted Levante visits the Santiago Bernabeu this Saturday to lock horns with a rival of a total different category. Real Madrid's captain Iker Casillas is ruled out from the game, and his absence can be Blancos' Achilles heel.
"Levante can pose a dangerous threat" said Mourinho prior to this game. He wants his players to leave behind the sound 8-0 victory over Levante for the Copa del Rey and focus on this Liga clash, as they can reduce the gap from the top to only two points as they wait for Barcelona to take on Athletic.
Let's not forget Levante defeated Real Madrid in the second-leg match 2-0, and they've already shown to be in outstanding form last week by defeating Villarreal 1-0. In fact, Luis Garcia's Granotes have kept a perfect score in the last three Liga matches, and now team's coach looks forward to write yet another chapter in Levante's Liga history.
Jose Mourinho will be preserving Pepe, Mesut Ozil, Alvaro Arbeloa and Emmanuel Adebayor will be preserved for Madrid's visit to France next week for the Champions League. Karim Benzema, Kaka and Sergio Ramos return to the starting squad to provide more versatility in the attack.
UD Levante's coach will have to do without Miguel Pallardó, Sergio Gonzalez and Gorka Larrea, the first banned from performing and the rest struggling with injuries. Luis Garcia will most likely be playing with a five-men defensive back line to neutralize the Galactic massive firepower and rely on the counter attack to secure the game, will this be enough?
Reigning European champion Atletico visits Zaragoza in urgent need of the full scoring if they're meant to join the top fight once again. Currently occupying the 11th position, only with major assistance from their neighbors will Quique Sanchez Flores' Rojiblancos have another shot for the European qualification before the end of the season.
Zaragoza, on the other hand, struggles week after week in the basement to secure their future in the Primera Division without much success, standing only one point above the relegation line.
Only seven points separate Atletico from Zaragoza, and thus a victory for the hosts can have a major impact on the table standings.
Atletico recovers winger Tomas Ujfalusi in the back line, while Brazilian midfielder Elias is likely to lead the advance from the right wing. Colchoneros' attacking duo, Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan will have to be extremely focused to outwit Zaragoza's packed midfield.
Javier Aguirre's Zaragoza has been unstoppable at home, securing 10 out of the last 12 possible points. Saïd Boutahar, Nicolas Bertolo and Sinama Pongolle are truly dangerous when building an offense all together.
Angel Lafita and Ander, on the other hand, won't be able to perform. Zaragoza's boss will have a lot on his mind before Atletico visits La Romareda.
A game that gives Zaragoza an opportunity to objectively measure where they're standing in this second half of La Liga fight. Who'll succeed?
A decisive six-pointer for the bottom fight, Deportivo wants to celebrate their second victory away this season as they visit Almeria, a rival that didn't hesitate on eliminating them from the Copa del Rey a few weeks ago. Jose Luis Oltra's Almeria performed outstandingly in the last three games at home (defeating Osasuna and Espanyol and rescuing a point against Real Madrid).
Michel's and Carlos Garcia's absence join Almeria's extensive list of injured players. Almeria won the three times they've faced Almeria so far this season, a record to keep in mind as Miguel Angel Lotina's boys visits the Juegos Mediterraneos. The hosts must make it a fortress to stop Deportivo to escape to the upper half of the positions table.
Argentinean strikers Leonardo Ulloa and Pablo Piatti will have to assume command of Almeria's leadership, and they both should be kept under a close watch.
Deportivo's coach Miguel Angel Lotina misses Xisco for this game. Lotina will most likely repeat his 4-man defensive back line with a strong presence on the wings to overwhelm Almeria. A victory can take Deportivo to the 12th position, while a defeat might bring them awkwardly close to the relegation line. A vital clash for the future of the bottom fight, who'll bag the three points?
RCD Espanyols visits the Reyno de Navarra, one of the toughest stadiums in the Spanish league. Mauricio Pochettino's boys want to leave behind last week's defeat against Real Madrid celebrating a sound victory against Osasuna, but it won't be easy considering the performance of Jose Luis Mendilibar's boys at home. A victory will be the best welcome gift for Mendilibar, as it'll most likely be enough to save Osasuna from finishing the week in the drop zone.
There are excellent news for Pericos' coach Pochettino, as he recovers Iván Alonso, David García, Raúl Rodríguez and Manu Molina. Juan Daniel Forlin, on the other hand, injured during week's training joins Raúl Baena and Víctor Álvarez waiting for the operation room, sidelined for at least a month. Jesus Datolo is in doubt and it's yet unknown whether he'll be fully fit or not for Osasuna's game.
"These kinds of misfortunes are always a disgrace, but now all I can do is laugh about it. It looks like somebody is using voodoo against us" said Pochettino earlier this week. Three consecutive defeats have lowered Espanyol's spirit, and he knows a victory is mandatory to face the final half of the Spanish league in the best possible way.
Mendilibar's debut game have him locking horns with one of the strongest squads this season, though Espanyol's luck as travelers has been far from satisfying. "We must be confident as we reach the opposing area. We must create numerous opportunities, look to take advantage of our aerial superiority and shoot for the goal" said Osasuna's boss.
Iranian international Javad Nekounam, Spaniard Carlos Aranda, Sergio Fernández (all of them injured) and Miguel Flaño, Roberto López 'Rúper' and Damiá Abella (ruled out due to disciplinary action) will be missing this clash, as well as former Espanyol player Ferrán Corominas. A decisive game forh both teams to measure their strengths for what's coming, who'll win?
Malaga visits the Madrigal, eager to repeat Levante's success and bag the full scoring against one of the top revelations of this tournament.
The hosts will be missing midfielder Marcos Senna, who plays a vital role in Villarreal's general scheme. The Spanish-Brazilian international injured his hamstring in Napoli and it is yet unknown how long will it take for him to recover. Carlos Marchena did a flawless work by replacing Senna as the main playmaker in San Paolo.
Injuries have decimated Malaga's squad. As if the situation wasn't bad enough already with Sergio Asenjo, Jesús Gámez, Duda and Javier Malagueño ruled out with injuries, now that Julio Baptista joined the list it looks like Pellegrini will have a lot of work to keep Boquerones' last hope alive.
Brazilian international Julio Baptista will be sidelined for at least a month, forcing Pellegrini to rearrange his formation for the matches to come. Even worst, team's captain and goalkeeper Francesc Arnau is in doubt for this clash.
An important game for Villarreal to recover its confidence and a major test for Malaga, as time will be soon running out for Pellegrini's boys without a few victories. Who'll claim the three points?
Getafe, six points above Racing Santander in the table standings, needs the full scoring to remain competitive for the European fight while Racing struggles to leave the bottom fight behind, as the relegation line stands only three points below their feet.
Last week's unexpected victory 3-2 over Sevilla fed Verdiblancos' hearts with a renewed spirit, which will be determinant as Racing must receive Villarreal and Real Madrid in the weeks to come.
Getafe, on the other hand, obtained only four points in the last five games, leaving them six points below the sixth position.
Getafe's coach Michel will most likely recover striker Javier Arizmendi for this clash, who's not yet performed this year as he struggles to recover from a knee injury. On the other hand, Michel will have to do without Manu del Moral and Óscar Ustari (injured) and Miguel Torres.
Racing's new coach Marcelino Garcia Toral believes that Getafe "is a powerful team in the attack, but irregular in the defense" and it's expected he'll deploy a solid formation with a strong presence on the wings to overwhelm Getafe and secure the three points.
Sunday's late game features Hercules visiting Andalosia to take on Sevilla. Esteban Vigo's Hercules wants to put salt on Sevilla's wounds, as Oporto's victory earlier this week left Sevilla at the brink of European elimination. Sevilla's goalkeeper Antonio Palop won't be able to perform, making way for Javi Varas to guard the posts.
Hercules' confidence is shattered, and they know feeding on Palanganas's blood is essential to fight back to retain the category. Dutch international Royston Drenthe, Paraguayan Nelson Haedo Valdez and Paco Peña are sidelined due to injuries, and it won't be easy to celebrate their second victory away this season at the Sanchez Pizjuan.
David Trezeguet should take advantage of this opportunity to recover his place among the starting eleven. Kiko Femenia, Tote and Olivier Thomert will be assisting the French international on the attack while Abel Aguilar and Farinos occupy the center of the midfield, responsible for neutralizing Sevilla's midfielders from creating scoring opportunities.
Jesus Navas', Luis Fabiano's and Antonio Negredo's sheer efficiency can turn this visit to the Sanchez Pizjuan into a nightmare for Hercules. Currently occupying the 8th position with 31 points, a victory is mandatory for Sevilla to stay alive in the fight for the last European qualifying place. Are they ready to send Hercules back home empty-handed.
Athletic visits the Camp Nou eager to deliver a fatal blow to Pep Guardiola's Blaugranas, as they try to recover from their visit to London earlier this week for the Champions League. This could be a turning point for Barcelona, as the five-points advantage over Real Madrid might not be enough if Guardiola's Blaugranas failed to bag the full scoring against Joaquin Caparros' Lions.
David Villa finished last week's training under intense muscular pain, but it looks like he'll recover in time for this clash. Lio Mesi and Pedro will be assisting the Asturian in the attack, and their partnership might be far too prolific for Athletic's defenders to stop them from scoring.
Bilbao's last visit to the Camp Nou was rather positive as the hosts could not break Caparros' defensive scheme, but Barcelona's victory in San Mames secured the qualification for Copa del Rey's next stage. Cule's captain Carles Puyol is the only absentee for this clash, and it looks like Eric Abidal will once again join Gerard Pique in the back line.
Caparros recovers Carlos Gurpegui, but misses Mikel San Jose and Pablo Orbaiz. "The important thing against Barcelona is that we remain fully confident we can obtain a positive result. With this attitude and a collective mentality we can secure the game" said Rojiblancos' head coach, "I see Barcelona just as dangerous as I thought they were three weeks ago" he added.
Having obtained 49 of the last 52 possible points, it's obvious Barcelona is the big candidate for this clash, but Fernando Llorente's Athletic Bilbao is known by its capacity to awaken at the least expected of times. Without a victory, Athletic will be saying goodbye to the European chase, will they stop Barcelona from claiming the full scoring?
Real Sociedad and Mallorca have caught many of us by surprise by joining the seventh position along with Getafe and Sevilla, with 31 points after 23 Liga matches. This vital six-pointer will decide their future fight, and the winner will have to be considered as a direct rival for the European qualification. "This is not a final, but it is of utmost importance to defeat Real Sociedad" said Mallorca's coach Michael Laudrup earlier this week.
Mallorca has a busy schedule ahead, having to face Barcelona, Espanyol and Valencia in the next three games. This week's visit to Anoeta should not be taken for granted, as Martin Lasarte's Errealas have shown their strengths many times. "We know what awaits for us in Anoeta" added Laudrup. Hercules' Mikel González and playmaker Xabi Prieto won't be able to perform, while Russian Vadim Demidov might be given a shot among the starting eleven. Raul Tamudo will have to lead the attack on his own. Real Sociedad's morale receive a huge boost by winning three of the last four games.
Scorer of the winning goal against Athletic last week, Mallorca's striker Pierre Webo recovered on time for this clash, while Emilio Nsue could be sidelined as he caught a flu, while Iván Ramis and Víctor Casadesús will most likely be missing this game as they struggle with injuries.
Monday's game will shake the top of the positions table. A draw won't be enough for any of them on the restless European fight, who'll bag the three points in Anoeta this Monday?
But two consecutive awkward result (against Sporting and Arsenal) have brought Barcelona back to reality, and now a victory is mandatory to dispel all the judging clouds cast upon Pep Guardiola's head.
Atletico Madrid must take advantage of this visit to La Romareda to return to the upper half of the positions table and fight back on the chase for the last European places. Espanyol and Athletic have settled as the two Europa League favorites at the moment, while Valencia finally leapfrogged Villarreal and claimed the third position with 47 points.
Real Madrid focus its forces for next week's visit to France, as Los Blancos are determined to continue their three-way chase for at least one title and they know they cannot take Olympique Lyon for granted. A victory let Real Madrid shorten the gap from the top to two points, though this minimum disadvantage will most likely last less than a day.
Manolo Preciado's boys rescued a vital point last week in Gijon against Barcelona and must now prepare to visit the Mestalla in great need of the three points to leave the bottom fight behind.
Unai Emery's Ches are exhausted after midweek's European fight against Schalke 04, but they know a victory is mandatory to keep up with Barcelona's and Real Madrid's pace.
It's been over three years since Sporting lastly celebrated a victory at the Mestalla. Sporting's coach will have to do without David Barral (due to disciplinary action) and Javi Poves. "Every point must be fought until the last breath" said Preciado, fully aware of his team's awkward situation.
Big news for Valencia, as Juan Mata appears to be fully fit and ready to return to the starting squad, as well as Joaquin. Except for midweek's draw against Schalke, Valencia has won the last four matches at home.
Uruguayan international Sebastian Eguren and Gaston Sangoy will be responsible for keeping Valencia's midfielders busy and neutralize the attack from the wings.
Will Sporting's defensive formation withstand the massive firepower of Unai Emery's Valencia? The visitors have showed they're to be taken seriously last week in Gijon, will they succeed in Andalosian ground?
Newly promoted Levante visits the Santiago Bernabeu this Saturday to lock horns with a rival of a total different category. Real Madrid's captain Iker Casillas is ruled out from the game, and his absence can be Blancos' Achilles heel.
"Levante can pose a dangerous threat" said Mourinho prior to this game. He wants his players to leave behind the sound 8-0 victory over Levante for the Copa del Rey and focus on this Liga clash, as they can reduce the gap from the top to only two points as they wait for Barcelona to take on Athletic.
Let's not forget Levante defeated Real Madrid in the second-leg match 2-0, and they've already shown to be in outstanding form last week by defeating Villarreal 1-0. In fact, Luis Garcia's Granotes have kept a perfect score in the last three Liga matches, and now team's coach looks forward to write yet another chapter in Levante's Liga history.
Jose Mourinho will be preserving Pepe, Mesut Ozil, Alvaro Arbeloa and Emmanuel Adebayor will be preserved for Madrid's visit to France next week for the Champions League. Karim Benzema, Kaka and Sergio Ramos return to the starting squad to provide more versatility in the attack.
UD Levante's coach will have to do without Miguel Pallardó, Sergio Gonzalez and Gorka Larrea, the first banned from performing and the rest struggling with injuries. Luis Garcia will most likely be playing with a five-men defensive back line to neutralize the Galactic massive firepower and rely on the counter attack to secure the game, will this be enough?
Reigning European champion Atletico visits Zaragoza in urgent need of the full scoring if they're meant to join the top fight once again. Currently occupying the 11th position, only with major assistance from their neighbors will Quique Sanchez Flores' Rojiblancos have another shot for the European qualification before the end of the season.
Zaragoza, on the other hand, struggles week after week in the basement to secure their future in the Primera Division without much success, standing only one point above the relegation line.
Only seven points separate Atletico from Zaragoza, and thus a victory for the hosts can have a major impact on the table standings.
Atletico recovers winger Tomas Ujfalusi in the back line, while Brazilian midfielder Elias is likely to lead the advance from the right wing. Colchoneros' attacking duo, Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan will have to be extremely focused to outwit Zaragoza's packed midfield.
Javier Aguirre's Zaragoza has been unstoppable at home, securing 10 out of the last 12 possible points. Saïd Boutahar, Nicolas Bertolo and Sinama Pongolle are truly dangerous when building an offense all together.
Angel Lafita and Ander, on the other hand, won't be able to perform. Zaragoza's boss will have a lot on his mind before Atletico visits La Romareda.
A game that gives Zaragoza an opportunity to objectively measure where they're standing in this second half of La Liga fight. Who'll succeed?
A decisive six-pointer for the bottom fight, Deportivo wants to celebrate their second victory away this season as they visit Almeria, a rival that didn't hesitate on eliminating them from the Copa del Rey a few weeks ago. Jose Luis Oltra's Almeria performed outstandingly in the last three games at home (defeating Osasuna and Espanyol and rescuing a point against Real Madrid).
Michel's and Carlos Garcia's absence join Almeria's extensive list of injured players. Almeria won the three times they've faced Almeria so far this season, a record to keep in mind as Miguel Angel Lotina's boys visits the Juegos Mediterraneos. The hosts must make it a fortress to stop Deportivo to escape to the upper half of the positions table.
Argentinean strikers Leonardo Ulloa and Pablo Piatti will have to assume command of Almeria's leadership, and they both should be kept under a close watch.
Deportivo's coach Miguel Angel Lotina misses Xisco for this game. Lotina will most likely repeat his 4-man defensive back line with a strong presence on the wings to overwhelm Almeria. A victory can take Deportivo to the 12th position, while a defeat might bring them awkwardly close to the relegation line. A vital clash for the future of the bottom fight, who'll bag the three points?
RCD Espanyols visits the Reyno de Navarra, one of the toughest stadiums in the Spanish league. Mauricio Pochettino's boys want to leave behind last week's defeat against Real Madrid celebrating a sound victory against Osasuna, but it won't be easy considering the performance of Jose Luis Mendilibar's boys at home. A victory will be the best welcome gift for Mendilibar, as it'll most likely be enough to save Osasuna from finishing the week in the drop zone.
There are excellent news for Pericos' coach Pochettino, as he recovers Iván Alonso, David García, Raúl Rodríguez and Manu Molina. Juan Daniel Forlin, on the other hand, injured during week's training joins Raúl Baena and Víctor Álvarez waiting for the operation room, sidelined for at least a month. Jesus Datolo is in doubt and it's yet unknown whether he'll be fully fit or not for Osasuna's game.
"These kinds of misfortunes are always a disgrace, but now all I can do is laugh about it. It looks like somebody is using voodoo against us" said Pochettino earlier this week. Three consecutive defeats have lowered Espanyol's spirit, and he knows a victory is mandatory to face the final half of the Spanish league in the best possible way.
Mendilibar's debut game have him locking horns with one of the strongest squads this season, though Espanyol's luck as travelers has been far from satisfying. "We must be confident as we reach the opposing area. We must create numerous opportunities, look to take advantage of our aerial superiority and shoot for the goal" said Osasuna's boss.
Iranian international Javad Nekounam, Spaniard Carlos Aranda, Sergio Fernández (all of them injured) and Miguel Flaño, Roberto López 'Rúper' and Damiá Abella (ruled out due to disciplinary action) will be missing this clash, as well as former Espanyol player Ferrán Corominas. A decisive game forh both teams to measure their strengths for what's coming, who'll win?
Malaga visits the Madrigal, eager to repeat Levante's success and bag the full scoring against one of the top revelations of this tournament.
The hosts will be missing midfielder Marcos Senna, who plays a vital role in Villarreal's general scheme. The Spanish-Brazilian international injured his hamstring in Napoli and it is yet unknown how long will it take for him to recover. Carlos Marchena did a flawless work by replacing Senna as the main playmaker in San Paolo.
Injuries have decimated Malaga's squad. As if the situation wasn't bad enough already with Sergio Asenjo, Jesús Gámez, Duda and Javier Malagueño ruled out with injuries, now that Julio Baptista joined the list it looks like Pellegrini will have a lot of work to keep Boquerones' last hope alive.
Brazilian international Julio Baptista will be sidelined for at least a month, forcing Pellegrini to rearrange his formation for the matches to come. Even worst, team's captain and goalkeeper Francesc Arnau is in doubt for this clash.
An important game for Villarreal to recover its confidence and a major test for Malaga, as time will be soon running out for Pellegrini's boys without a few victories. Who'll claim the three points?
Getafe, six points above Racing Santander in the table standings, needs the full scoring to remain competitive for the European fight while Racing struggles to leave the bottom fight behind, as the relegation line stands only three points below their feet.
Last week's unexpected victory 3-2 over Sevilla fed Verdiblancos' hearts with a renewed spirit, which will be determinant as Racing must receive Villarreal and Real Madrid in the weeks to come.
Getafe, on the other hand, obtained only four points in the last five games, leaving them six points below the sixth position.
Getafe's coach Michel will most likely recover striker Javier Arizmendi for this clash, who's not yet performed this year as he struggles to recover from a knee injury. On the other hand, Michel will have to do without Manu del Moral and Óscar Ustari (injured) and Miguel Torres.
Racing's new coach Marcelino Garcia Toral believes that Getafe "is a powerful team in the attack, but irregular in the defense" and it's expected he'll deploy a solid formation with a strong presence on the wings to overwhelm Getafe and secure the three points.
Sunday's late game features Hercules visiting Andalosia to take on Sevilla. Esteban Vigo's Hercules wants to put salt on Sevilla's wounds, as Oporto's victory earlier this week left Sevilla at the brink of European elimination. Sevilla's goalkeeper Antonio Palop won't be able to perform, making way for Javi Varas to guard the posts.
Hercules' confidence is shattered, and they know feeding on Palanganas's blood is essential to fight back to retain the category. Dutch international Royston Drenthe, Paraguayan Nelson Haedo Valdez and Paco Peña are sidelined due to injuries, and it won't be easy to celebrate their second victory away this season at the Sanchez Pizjuan.
David Trezeguet should take advantage of this opportunity to recover his place among the starting eleven. Kiko Femenia, Tote and Olivier Thomert will be assisting the French international on the attack while Abel Aguilar and Farinos occupy the center of the midfield, responsible for neutralizing Sevilla's midfielders from creating scoring opportunities.
Jesus Navas', Luis Fabiano's and Antonio Negredo's sheer efficiency can turn this visit to the Sanchez Pizjuan into a nightmare for Hercules. Currently occupying the 8th position with 31 points, a victory is mandatory for Sevilla to stay alive in the fight for the last European qualifying place. Are they ready to send Hercules back home empty-handed.
Athletic visits the Camp Nou eager to deliver a fatal blow to Pep Guardiola's Blaugranas, as they try to recover from their visit to London earlier this week for the Champions League. This could be a turning point for Barcelona, as the five-points advantage over Real Madrid might not be enough if Guardiola's Blaugranas failed to bag the full scoring against Joaquin Caparros' Lions.
David Villa finished last week's training under intense muscular pain, but it looks like he'll recover in time for this clash. Lio Mesi and Pedro will be assisting the Asturian in the attack, and their partnership might be far too prolific for Athletic's defenders to stop them from scoring.
Bilbao's last visit to the Camp Nou was rather positive as the hosts could not break Caparros' defensive scheme, but Barcelona's victory in San Mames secured the qualification for Copa del Rey's next stage. Cule's captain Carles Puyol is the only absentee for this clash, and it looks like Eric Abidal will once again join Gerard Pique in the back line.
Caparros recovers Carlos Gurpegui, but misses Mikel San Jose and Pablo Orbaiz. "The important thing against Barcelona is that we remain fully confident we can obtain a positive result. With this attitude and a collective mentality we can secure the game" said Rojiblancos' head coach, "I see Barcelona just as dangerous as I thought they were three weeks ago" he added.
Having obtained 49 of the last 52 possible points, it's obvious Barcelona is the big candidate for this clash, but Fernando Llorente's Athletic Bilbao is known by its capacity to awaken at the least expected of times. Without a victory, Athletic will be saying goodbye to the European chase, will they stop Barcelona from claiming the full scoring?
Real Sociedad and Mallorca have caught many of us by surprise by joining the seventh position along with Getafe and Sevilla, with 31 points after 23 Liga matches. This vital six-pointer will decide their future fight, and the winner will have to be considered as a direct rival for the European qualification. "This is not a final, but it is of utmost importance to defeat Real Sociedad" said Mallorca's coach Michael Laudrup earlier this week.
Mallorca has a busy schedule ahead, having to face Barcelona, Espanyol and Valencia in the next three games. This week's visit to Anoeta should not be taken for granted, as Martin Lasarte's Errealas have shown their strengths many times. "We know what awaits for us in Anoeta" added Laudrup. Hercules' Mikel González and playmaker Xabi Prieto won't be able to perform, while Russian Vadim Demidov might be given a shot among the starting eleven. Raul Tamudo will have to lead the attack on his own. Real Sociedad's morale receive a huge boost by winning three of the last four games.
Scorer of the winning goal against Athletic last week, Mallorca's striker Pierre Webo recovered on time for this clash, while Emilio Nsue could be sidelined as he caught a flu, while Iván Ramis and Víctor Casadesús will most likely be missing this game as they struggle with injuries.
Monday's game will shake the top of the positions table. A draw won't be enough for any of them on the restless European fight, who'll bag the three points in Anoeta this Monday?
