Source: Xinhua

04-18-2009 10:11

MADRID, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Primera Liga leader FC Barcelona and second place Real Madrid face potentially difficult rivals in this weekend's round of games.

Barcelona travels to the south of Madrid to play Getafe. Pep Guardiola's side had few problems qualifying for the semi-finals of the Champions League with a 1-1 draw away to Bayern Munich on Tuesday night. But it remains to be seen if they will suffer any after effects from playing an extra game.

Guardiola was able to rest Thierry Henry in Munich, but key players such as Xavi Hernandez, Leo Messi and Samuel Eto's were all in his side.

Meanwhile in Getafe the club is seeking a repeat of the historic 4-0 King's Cup triumph from the 2006/7 season.

Real Madrid travels to Huelva, where Recreativo needs all three points to climb away from the relegation zone.

Madrid has won 14 of its last 15 games, but still remains six points behind Barcelona. It will be interesting to see if the announcement of elections for the new club president on June 14 will affect the players' concentration.

Elsewhere the battle for a place in the top four continues to be fascinating.

Both Sevilla and Villarreal lost last weekend allowing Valenciato climb into fourth place, while Atletico Madrid's win in La Coruna also gave them renewed hope.

Valencia could close the gap on Sevilla when the two sides meet in the Mestalla Stadium on Sunday. The Valencia players should be motivated after finally receiving their backdated wages, while David Villa is still scoring goals on a regular basis.

Villarreal has to recover from the disappointment of its Champions League exit for the trip to Valladolid. Coach Manuel Pellegrini will still be without injured midfielder Marcos Senna.

Atletico Madrid entertains Numancia. The side from Soria is second from bottom of the table, but following recent defeats to Mallorca and Osasuna, Atletico fans will not be taking a win for granted.

Meanwhile Malaga can continue its incredible season at home to Mallorca. The side coached by Antonio Tapia has never been so well placed at this stage of the season and a top four finish can still not be ruled out.

Elsewhere relegation is the issue as Athletic Bilbao, with both first choice central defenders suspended, plays at home against Deportivo la Coruna. Betis entertains Sporting Gijon, while there will be tension in Almeria with the home side looking to end Osasuna's run of three straight wins.

Finally bottom of the table Espanyol has another must win game as Racing Santander is the visitor in Montjuic. Espanyol is currently seven points from safety and a defeat would leave the Barcelona-based side virtually doomed to relegation.

 

Editor:Shi Taoyang