Real Madrid returns to the Mestalla, eager to celebrate another historic victory, now at Valencia's expense.
There's much more in the Spanish League than Barcelona and Real Madrid's endless rivalry. Valencia wants to demonstrate Real Madrid they cannot ignore the Spanish League without facing its consequences as Jose Mourinho' Blancos return to Mestalla.
Sevilla and Villarreal, on the other hand, lock horns in a decisive clash for the European fight. Newly promoted Levante wants to demonstrate they're ready to join the European contenders as they visit the Vicente Calderon to defy Atletico Madrid.
La Liga reaches a turning point, and every single point matters as the tournament comes to an end. Malaga and Hercules look forward to leave the basement before it's too late, facing two difficult rivals this week.
Finally, the Basque derby features Athletic and Real Sociedad, both in great need of a victory to better understand where are they standing in the Spanish fight.
Real Madrid visits the Mestalla for a second consecutive time this week, still drunk on the honeys of success Jose Mourinho's Merengues have enjoyed upon defeating Barcelona at the Copa del Rey final last Wednesday.
Booked at the Liga Clasico last Saturday, defender Alvaro Arbeloa misses the game. His replacement will most likely be former Valencia's Raul Albiol, who was ejected as he challenged David Villa inside the box last Saturday.
Let's not forget Madrid must lock horns with Barcelona again next Tuesday, and so it's expected Jose Mourinho will introduce a few modifications on his scheme to stop his players from reaching the next Clasico exhausted. Few players can withstand 210 minutes of football at the Mestalla in three days without suffering the consequences.
"Real Madrid is a little ahead of us, it won't be easy. Our goal is securing the third place, but the closer we can get from the top, the better" said Valencia's defender Marius Stankevicius. "We're ambitious, this game is like the one against Villarreal, and we must be strong and courageous to win" added.
Having scored 12 goals in the last three Liga games, Valencia stands safe at the 3rd place, with 63 points. Real Madrid has 77 points, while Barcelona jealously guard the top with 85 points.
A vital clash between two of the best Spanish squads of the season, can Valencia defeat Real Madrid, the rising Spanish Champion?
Three consecutive defeats have lowered Osasuna's spirit at the worst of times, as they must visit the Camp Nou to lock horns with the wounded Liga leader, Barcelona.
Osasuna's Sergio Fernández, Patxi Puñal and Fernando Soriano are ruled out of the game due to disciplinary action, joining injured Roberto López and Masoud Shojaei. Striker Carlos Aranda, on the other hand, might return to the starting squad after five weeks away from the fields with a muscular fatigue.
Kike Sola missed the last few trainings with a gastrointestinal disorder, and it's uncertain whether he will be fully fit to perform or not.
Barcelona lost its first Clasico against Real Madrid since 2008, but there's no time for regrets as Guardiola's Blaugranas take on Real Madrid next Wednesday for the Champions League semi-finals.
"There's no fear, the concern is natural. We have three games at home following this one. You can lose three consecutive games just as easily as you can win them" said Osasuna's Alvaro Cejuda, confident the disappointing results of the last few games have not had anything to do with a "wrong" attitude in the Rojillos' squad.
Pep Guardiola might choose not to risk winger Adriano, who was substituted in the 117th minute at the Mestalla with a pulled muscle. Javier Mascherano could join Gerard Pique once again in the back line, just as Gabriel Milito could return to the starting eleven to cover his natural position.
A victory is mandatory for Barcelona to recover its spirit before the first semi-final with Real Madrid, can Osasuna stop them?
Martin Lasarte's Real Sociedad visit Bilbao for a decisive derby at San Mames' Cathedral. Joaquin Caparros' Athletic are dreaming with claiming the last Champions League qualifying place, guarded by Villarreal with a nine-point advantage.
The hosts will have to do without Xabi Castillo, Iker Muniain, Ander Iturraspe and Gorka Iraizoz, ruled out due to disciplinary action.
"I don't know what it's like for Real Sociedad, but for us the Basque derby if one of the most important games of the season" said Athletic's midfielder Javi Martinez, who returns to the starting eleven having faced a one-week suspension after receiving his fifth yellow card.
Real Sociedad defeated Athletic in Anoeta 2-0 during the first half of La Liga, and now it's time for Caparros' Rojiblancos to return the favor. Athletic have lost the last two games at San Mames, facing two major powerhouses such as Villarreal and Real Madrid.
Ten points separate Athletic from Real Sociedad. The visitors could secure its permanence in the Primera Division upon a victory, who'll claim the three points on Saturday's late game?
Deportivo visits Alicante to face Hercules, a rival in great need of the three points to remain competitive in the fight for the category. Standing at the 19th position with 30 points, Miroslav Djukic's Hercules must stop Deportivo from bagging the full scoring from Alicante by any means.
Hercules recovers midfielder Francisco Javier Farinos and defender Abel Garcia for this decisive clash, as well as French international David Trezeguet. Javier Portillo and Matias Fritzler will be making way in the starting squad to boost Hercules' attack to its maximum, joining Royston Drenthe and Nelson Haedo Valdez.
Miguel Angel Lotina's Deportivo have not been able to celebrate a single victory away in the second half of La Liga, a curse they need to break as soon as possible not to struggle until the last week to secure the permanence in the First Division.
Lotina could lose Ruben Perez and Juca, for neither of them could finish last week's training. A major clash with a major impact on the table standings no matter what happens at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez
Basement boys Malaga visit Santander to lock horns with Racing, in a game that could virtually eliminate Manuel Pellegrini's Malaga from the Primera Division.
Racing will be a tough nut to crack in El Sardinero, where they've only been defeated thrice (against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Getafe) while Malaga conceded 10 goals in its last three games away.
Malaga's goalkeeper Arnau has kept his goal shut in four of the last five Liga games. The security of Martin Demichellis in the back line has been essential for Malaga in its last battles, coupled with the efficiency of Brazilian striker Julio Baptista in the last meters.
both squads in the fight for the category, who'll claim the three points in Santander?
Manolo Preciado's Sporting look forward to ambush Mauricio Pochettino's Espanyol at the Molinon. Seven points separate both squads: Sporting fights for the permanence in the First Division of Spanish Football, Pochettino's Pericos for a place among the European candidates.
Preciado recovers midfielder Nacho Cases, but misses Rafel Sastre, Ivan Cuellar and Roberto Canella due to injuries.
Uruguayan international midfielder Sebastian Eguren believes "Every rival is difficult at this point. Espanyol has its eyes in Europe and will try to leave us empty-handed. They have world-class players that can win the game on their own, as we suffered in the first clash this season. We cannot lower our intensity, especially at home. Our people will make us stronger"
Espanyol's coach Mauricio Pochettino has to do without key players in his scheme as Raul Baena, Juan Forlin, Sergio Garcia, Aldo Duscher, Pericos' captain Ivan De La Peña and Felipe Mattioni.
Both teams define what they will be fighting for in the last six remaining Liga games, who'll succeed this Sunday in Gijon?
Getafe recovered its form last week at Sevilla's expense, and prepares for a decisive six-pointer against Mallorca on Sunday's evening. Mallorca has only obtained one point in the last 3 Liga matches, and as Jose Luis Marti declared earlier this week "Out future is at stake, we cannot fell asleep with 39 points".
Michael's Getafe celebrated a sound 3-0 victory when Michael Laudrup's Bermellones visited Madrid in the first half of the Spanish tournament.
"Getafe has a mixture of highly experienced players and youth promises, and though they've not been particularly effective this year, they can make things extremely difficult for us" said Mallorca's Ayoze Diaz.
40 points might not be enough to secure the permanence in the Primera Divison neither for Mallorca nor for Getafe. Michael Laudrup's boys have one last opportunity to join the European fight, can they bag the full scoring against Getafe?
Quique Sanchez Flores' Colchoneros host Levante on Sunday's night, in what could be the perfect opportunity for Luis Garcia's Granotes to become the last unexpected candidate for the European fight.
Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan could return to Atletico's starting eleven, as well as Mario Suarez. Fran Mérida, 'Koke' and Diego Godín might not be able to perform, struggling with different kind of injuries.
Jose Antonio Reyes and Tiago Mendes are ruled out due to disciplinary action, and their absence hurts Atletico's offense greatly.
Luis Garcia might have to do without winger Asier del Horno, who's recovering from a left leg injury. Jefferson Montero and team's top striker Felipe Caicedo will be leading the attack, eager to surprise the hosts and return home with another victory.
"We cannot think about the future. We must be enthusiastic as we visit Madrid and dream with a positive result. We must do our best, work our hearts out on pursuing a victory" said Levante's midfielder Vicente Iborra before visiting the Vicente Calderon.
One of the best squads of the second half lock horns with the reigning European champion, who'll claim the three points?
Sunday's hottest game features Sevilla and Villarreal, two teams that have been living a nightmare in the past few weeks. Gregorio Manzano's Sevilla could be swept away from the European fight upon a defeat that could take them back to the 9th position, while Villarreal needs the three points to keep up with Valencia's pace in the fight for the third place.
Villarreal has almost confirmed its presence in the next edition of the Champions League, occupying the 4th position with 57 units. Athletic is the closest squad to the last qualifying place, but a nine-point buffer zone is likely to give Juan Carlos Garrido's Submarines the opportunity to show their worth in the fight for Europe's most coveted title.
Villarreal must still host Real Madrid and Mallorca at the Madrigal, and they must secure the ticket to the Champions the sooner the better. Sevilla has a busy schedule also, hosting Real Madrid and Real Sociedad before visiting Cornella-El-Prat in the final match day.
Villarreal's midfielder Marcos Senna could return to the starting eleven for this clash, but Garrido might also choose not to risk him, focused on the next Europa League clash. Sevilla might recover striker Frederic Kanoute, while Spanish international Jesus Navas will be sidelined for the rest of the season with a left leg injury.
A battle of epic proportions takes place this Sunday at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, who'll claim the three points?
Seven points separate Zaragoza from Almeria in the table standings. Almeria occupies the bottom position with 26 points,while Zaragoza could eventually reach the 16th position upon a positive result at the Rosaleda.
Zaragoza's coach Javier Aguirre will have to do without Ikechukwu Uche and Igor Obradovic, both ruled out due to disciplinary action. Striker Braulio is likely to join Sad Boutahar and Nicolas Bertolo on the attack.
Roberto Olabe's Almeria must secure a victory in Zaragoza if they're meant to fight for the category. A defeat could deliver a fatal blow to the Maños' squad, who could be left with nothing to fight for in the last Spanish League Games.
Almeria's goalkeeper and former Valencia's striker Sofiane Feghouli return to the starting squad, and their sole presence will provide a major boost to Almeria in all fronts. A vital clash for the bottom fight, who'll be successful?
Sevilla and Villarreal, on the other hand, lock horns in a decisive clash for the European fight. Newly promoted Levante wants to demonstrate they're ready to join the European contenders as they visit the Vicente Calderon to defy Atletico Madrid.
La Liga reaches a turning point, and every single point matters as the tournament comes to an end. Malaga and Hercules look forward to leave the basement before it's too late, facing two difficult rivals this week.
Finally, the Basque derby features Athletic and Real Sociedad, both in great need of a victory to better understand where are they standing in the Spanish fight.
Real Madrid visits the Mestalla for a second consecutive time this week, still drunk on the honeys of success Jose Mourinho's Merengues have enjoyed upon defeating Barcelona at the Copa del Rey final last Wednesday.
Booked at the Liga Clasico last Saturday, defender Alvaro Arbeloa misses the game. His replacement will most likely be former Valencia's Raul Albiol, who was ejected as he challenged David Villa inside the box last Saturday.
Let's not forget Madrid must lock horns with Barcelona again next Tuesday, and so it's expected Jose Mourinho will introduce a few modifications on his scheme to stop his players from reaching the next Clasico exhausted. Few players can withstand 210 minutes of football at the Mestalla in three days without suffering the consequences.
"Real Madrid is a little ahead of us, it won't be easy. Our goal is securing the third place, but the closer we can get from the top, the better" said Valencia's defender Marius Stankevicius. "We're ambitious, this game is like the one against Villarreal, and we must be strong and courageous to win" added.
Having scored 12 goals in the last three Liga games, Valencia stands safe at the 3rd place, with 63 points. Real Madrid has 77 points, while Barcelona jealously guard the top with 85 points.
A vital clash between two of the best Spanish squads of the season, can Valencia defeat Real Madrid, the rising Spanish Champion?
Three consecutive defeats have lowered Osasuna's spirit at the worst of times, as they must visit the Camp Nou to lock horns with the wounded Liga leader, Barcelona.
Osasuna's Sergio Fernández, Patxi Puñal and Fernando Soriano are ruled out of the game due to disciplinary action, joining injured Roberto López and Masoud Shojaei. Striker Carlos Aranda, on the other hand, might return to the starting squad after five weeks away from the fields with a muscular fatigue.
Kike Sola missed the last few trainings with a gastrointestinal disorder, and it's uncertain whether he will be fully fit to perform or not.
Barcelona lost its first Clasico against Real Madrid since 2008, but there's no time for regrets as Guardiola's Blaugranas take on Real Madrid next Wednesday for the Champions League semi-finals.
"There's no fear, the concern is natural. We have three games at home following this one. You can lose three consecutive games just as easily as you can win them" said Osasuna's Alvaro Cejuda, confident the disappointing results of the last few games have not had anything to do with a "wrong" attitude in the Rojillos' squad.
Pep Guardiola might choose not to risk winger Adriano, who was substituted in the 117th minute at the Mestalla with a pulled muscle. Javier Mascherano could join Gerard Pique once again in the back line, just as Gabriel Milito could return to the starting eleven to cover his natural position.
A victory is mandatory for Barcelona to recover its spirit before the first semi-final with Real Madrid, can Osasuna stop them?
Martin Lasarte's Real Sociedad visit Bilbao for a decisive derby at San Mames' Cathedral. Joaquin Caparros' Athletic are dreaming with claiming the last Champions League qualifying place, guarded by Villarreal with a nine-point advantage.
The hosts will have to do without Xabi Castillo, Iker Muniain, Ander Iturraspe and Gorka Iraizoz, ruled out due to disciplinary action.
"I don't know what it's like for Real Sociedad, but for us the Basque derby if one of the most important games of the season" said Athletic's midfielder Javi Martinez, who returns to the starting eleven having faced a one-week suspension after receiving his fifth yellow card.
Real Sociedad defeated Athletic in Anoeta 2-0 during the first half of La Liga, and now it's time for Caparros' Rojiblancos to return the favor. Athletic have lost the last two games at San Mames, facing two major powerhouses such as Villarreal and Real Madrid.
Ten points separate Athletic from Real Sociedad. The visitors could secure its permanence in the Primera Division upon a victory, who'll claim the three points on Saturday's late game?
Deportivo visits Alicante to face Hercules, a rival in great need of the three points to remain competitive in the fight for the category. Standing at the 19th position with 30 points, Miroslav Djukic's Hercules must stop Deportivo from bagging the full scoring from Alicante by any means.
Hercules recovers midfielder Francisco Javier Farinos and defender Abel Garcia for this decisive clash, as well as French international David Trezeguet. Javier Portillo and Matias Fritzler will be making way in the starting squad to boost Hercules' attack to its maximum, joining Royston Drenthe and Nelson Haedo Valdez.
Miguel Angel Lotina's Deportivo have not been able to celebrate a single victory away in the second half of La Liga, a curse they need to break as soon as possible not to struggle until the last week to secure the permanence in the First Division.
Lotina could lose Ruben Perez and Juca, for neither of them could finish last week's training. A major clash with a major impact on the table standings no matter what happens at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez
Basement boys Malaga visit Santander to lock horns with Racing, in a game that could virtually eliminate Manuel Pellegrini's Malaga from the Primera Division.
Racing will be a tough nut to crack in El Sardinero, where they've only been defeated thrice (against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Getafe) while Malaga conceded 10 goals in its last three games away.
Malaga's goalkeeper Arnau has kept his goal shut in four of the last five Liga games. The security of Martin Demichellis in the back line has been essential for Malaga in its last battles, coupled with the efficiency of Brazilian striker Julio Baptista in the last meters.
both squads in the fight for the category, who'll claim the three points in Santander?
Manolo Preciado's Sporting look forward to ambush Mauricio Pochettino's Espanyol at the Molinon. Seven points separate both squads: Sporting fights for the permanence in the First Division of Spanish Football, Pochettino's Pericos for a place among the European candidates.
Preciado recovers midfielder Nacho Cases, but misses Rafel Sastre, Ivan Cuellar and Roberto Canella due to injuries.
Uruguayan international midfielder Sebastian Eguren believes "Every rival is difficult at this point. Espanyol has its eyes in Europe and will try to leave us empty-handed. They have world-class players that can win the game on their own, as we suffered in the first clash this season. We cannot lower our intensity, especially at home. Our people will make us stronger"
Espanyol's coach Mauricio Pochettino has to do without key players in his scheme as Raul Baena, Juan Forlin, Sergio Garcia, Aldo Duscher, Pericos' captain Ivan De La Peña and Felipe Mattioni.
Both teams define what they will be fighting for in the last six remaining Liga games, who'll succeed this Sunday in Gijon?
Getafe recovered its form last week at Sevilla's expense, and prepares for a decisive six-pointer against Mallorca on Sunday's evening. Mallorca has only obtained one point in the last 3 Liga matches, and as Jose Luis Marti declared earlier this week "Out future is at stake, we cannot fell asleep with 39 points".
Michael's Getafe celebrated a sound 3-0 victory when Michael Laudrup's Bermellones visited Madrid in the first half of the Spanish tournament.
"Getafe has a mixture of highly experienced players and youth promises, and though they've not been particularly effective this year, they can make things extremely difficult for us" said Mallorca's Ayoze Diaz.
40 points might not be enough to secure the permanence in the Primera Divison neither for Mallorca nor for Getafe. Michael Laudrup's boys have one last opportunity to join the European fight, can they bag the full scoring against Getafe?
Quique Sanchez Flores' Colchoneros host Levante on Sunday's night, in what could be the perfect opportunity for Luis Garcia's Granotes to become the last unexpected candidate for the European fight.
Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan could return to Atletico's starting eleven, as well as Mario Suarez. Fran Mérida, 'Koke' and Diego Godín might not be able to perform, struggling with different kind of injuries.
Jose Antonio Reyes and Tiago Mendes are ruled out due to disciplinary action, and their absence hurts Atletico's offense greatly.
Luis Garcia might have to do without winger Asier del Horno, who's recovering from a left leg injury. Jefferson Montero and team's top striker Felipe Caicedo will be leading the attack, eager to surprise the hosts and return home with another victory.
"We cannot think about the future. We must be enthusiastic as we visit Madrid and dream with a positive result. We must do our best, work our hearts out on pursuing a victory" said Levante's midfielder Vicente Iborra before visiting the Vicente Calderon.
One of the best squads of the second half lock horns with the reigning European champion, who'll claim the three points?
Sunday's hottest game features Sevilla and Villarreal, two teams that have been living a nightmare in the past few weeks. Gregorio Manzano's Sevilla could be swept away from the European fight upon a defeat that could take them back to the 9th position, while Villarreal needs the three points to keep up with Valencia's pace in the fight for the third place.
Villarreal has almost confirmed its presence in the next edition of the Champions League, occupying the 4th position with 57 units. Athletic is the closest squad to the last qualifying place, but a nine-point buffer zone is likely to give Juan Carlos Garrido's Submarines the opportunity to show their worth in the fight for Europe's most coveted title.
Villarreal must still host Real Madrid and Mallorca at the Madrigal, and they must secure the ticket to the Champions the sooner the better. Sevilla has a busy schedule also, hosting Real Madrid and Real Sociedad before visiting Cornella-El-Prat in the final match day.
Villarreal's midfielder Marcos Senna could return to the starting eleven for this clash, but Garrido might also choose not to risk him, focused on the next Europa League clash. Sevilla might recover striker Frederic Kanoute, while Spanish international Jesus Navas will be sidelined for the rest of the season with a left leg injury.
A battle of epic proportions takes place this Sunday at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, who'll claim the three points?
Seven points separate Zaragoza from Almeria in the table standings. Almeria occupies the bottom position with 26 points,while Zaragoza could eventually reach the 16th position upon a positive result at the Rosaleda.
Zaragoza's coach Javier Aguirre will have to do without Ikechukwu Uche and Igor Obradovic, both ruled out due to disciplinary action. Striker Braulio is likely to join Sad Boutahar and Nicolas Bertolo on the attack.
Roberto Olabe's Almeria must secure a victory in Zaragoza if they're meant to fight for the category. A defeat could deliver a fatal blow to the Maños' squad, who could be left with nothing to fight for in the last Spanish League Games.
Almeria's goalkeeper and former Valencia's striker Sofiane Feghouli return to the starting squad, and their sole presence will provide a major boost to Almeria in all fronts. A vital clash for the bottom fight, who'll be successful?
