Matchday five sees start of 10 day football marathon in Spain

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Matchday five sees start of 10 day football marathon in Spain

(Xinhua) 09:28, September 20, 2013

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FC Barcelona coach Tato Martino faces a return trip to Argentina ahead of his side's BBVA Primera Liga game away to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday night.

Martino received the sad news of the death of his father on Tuesday and flew back to his homeland straight after watching Barca defeat Ajax 4-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday.

If he is unable to return in time, the Barca side will be led by Jordi Roura, but will be confident of victory against a much-changed Rayo side that has struggled defensively, conceding 5 goals in each of their two away games (Atletico Madrid and Malaga) so far this season.

Barca's game is one of four scheduled to be play on Saturday, which is due to a round of midweek fixtures is actually the second of 10 days of consecutive league football in Spain.

The weekend actually begins on Friday as Osasuna entertain Elche. Osasuna have had their worst ever start to a season with four straight defeats and will look on the game against a recently promoted side as a chance to get their campaign under way.

Saturday kicks off with Real Sociedad, whose European campaign began with a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk, at home to Malaga. Real Sociedad will be without Esteban Granero with a knee injury for around six months it was confirmed on Wednesday.

Almeria need a win at home to an improving Levante in a game that promises few goals, while Saturday ends with Atletico Madrid visiting Valladolid.

Atletico have a 100 percent record and their high-pressure football could be too much for a Valladolid team, which moves the ball pleasing, but stately fashion. Meanwhile Atletico forward, Diego Costa returns to make life difficult for his former club and add to his total of four goals for the season.

Real Madrid fans enjoyed their side scoring 6 goals away to Galatasaray on Tuesday night and will be looking forward to a repeat display as Gareth Bale prepares to make his home debut at home to Getafe.

Cristiano Ronaldo also makes his first home appearance after signing his new contract and becoming the best paid player in the world.

Granada coach Lucas Alcaraz will be under pressure as his side travel to face and improving Betis. Granada have struggled following an opening day win, while Betis found their form with a fine win over Valencia last Sunday, although striker Ruben Castro is still struggling with injury.

Villarreal look to continue with unbeaten start to the season away to a sprightly Celta, who have improved from last season despite a 3-2 defeat away to Athletic Club Bilbao on Monday.

Meanwhile there will be drama in Valencia as the home side entertain Sevilla in a match between two sides tipped for success but so far struggling for form.

Valencia players were booed by fans in Monday's training session after their defeat to Betis, while 2 points from four games is a poor return for Sevilla, who were Spain's busiest team in the transfer window over the summer.

Round five of games finishes on Monday as unbeaten Espanyol entertain fifth placed Athletic Club Bilbao and then on Tuesday matchday six begins.