The entire talk about La Liga last week was the big Madrid Derby. With huge expectations on Athletico to snatch a victory against Real since 1999 failing, the two Madrid clubs now face relatively easier fixtures.
Valladolid vs Real Madrid
Saturday 8th December 2012, 19:00 GMT
Real Madrid finally do not have any Champions League fixtures for two months and this will be a huge relief having successfully going through the group of death. They can now concentrate on domestic competitions for a while before the knockout stages begin.
Club captain Iker Casillas said in an interview :
“We made it through to the next round of the Champions League and we expect a tough opponent in a difficult knockout tie, but between now and February there will be time to prepare.
“Now we want to focus on the league, and cut the points difference with the teams above, and keep getting through the rounds in the Copa del Rey.”
Madrid now sit 11 points behind run away leaders Barcelona and 5 behind their inter city rivals Athletico.
Next up for the Defending Champions is a trip to 7th place Valladolid. Mourinho will bring back Pepe and Ramos whom he rested in the midweek Champions League match. Also making a return to the team will be Arbeola who served a suspension in that same match.
Alonso will also return in the midfield likely partnering Modric and Khedira. The front three could see Di Maria replacing Callejon alongside Ronaldo and Benzema.
The main talking point for Vallodolid sees the return of their key players Manucho and Marc Valiente, both recovering from injuries.
Athletico Madrid vs Deportivo
Sunday 9th December 2012, 18:00 GMT
Athletico have just the right match against 19th placed Deportivo La Coruna after their disappointing 2-0 loss to fierce rivals Real Madrid last week. Athletico have won all their home games this season so far and they do not look to break that trend this week.
Deportivo are in for a long season and a relegation battle seems inevitable. But Athletico must maintain their lead over Real and hope that Barca stumble. Their ace striker Falcao had a rough patch in the middle but scored 2 weeks back and obviously is their main man for the match.
Real Betis vs Barcelona
Sunday 9th December 2012, 20:00 GMT
The biggest talking point ahead of this game will be the condition of the world’s best player. Leo Messi picked up a knock in their midweek Champions League tie, but if the Argentine does start then he could break Gerd Muller’s record of 85 goals in a calendar year with a brace.
Dani Alves and Alexis Sanchez are also out for Barca.
Barca currently sit six points clear at the top of the table having amassed 40 points from a possible 42 so far this season – the best ever start in La Liga history.
However, Betis have been something of a surprise package so far, sitting in fourth place after 14 games having already beaten Real Madrid at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Real Betis managed a 2-2 draw against Barcelona in the corresponding fixture last season.