La Liga preview: El Clasico takes centre stage

21 April 2012 05:29

Camp Nou will host one of the most anticipated El Clasico's in recent memory when Barcelona and Real Madrid clash in La Liga on Saturday.

Only four points separate the Champions League semi-finalists - who both lost their respective first-leg outings in mid-week - with five games remaining in the La Liga season.

Anything other than a win is likely to end Barcelona's chances of claiming a fourth straight title ahead of their fierce rivals.

Both teams will be eager to make amends for their defeats in Europe, with Pep Guardiola's Barcelona looking to bounce back after their 1-0 loss to Chelsea on Wednesday.

Jose Mourinho will reportedly start Kaka and Mesut Oezil for the encounter, which means Argentine midfielder Angel Di Maria, who continues his return from injury, would be used off the bench.

Real have won just one of their last 14 encounters against Barcelona, and a loss on Saturday would bring the Catalan giants right back into the title race.

While Barcelona is 29 points clear of third-placed Valencia, the fight for European qualification is alive and well, with only seven points between third and 11th and just one point separating sixth and 11th.

Valencia (52 points) and Malaga (51) occupy the Champions League positions in third and fourth respectively, with Levante (48) and Osasuna (46) rounding out the top six in Europa League spots.

Only goal difference separates the chasing group of Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, Espanyol and Getafe on 45 points.

Osasuna and Malaga will do battle on Monday in a vital clash, with both chasing a European spot.

Sevilla can overtake Levante with a win at home, while Valencia will be keen to bounce back from a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Espanyol last week when they host Real Betis.

Atletico Madrid host Espanyol on Sunday, and a win could see them move into one of the Europa League places.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Mallorca entertain Real Zaragoza and Rayo Vallecano travel to Sporting Gijon.

On Sunday, Granada host Getafe, Real Sociedad take on Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao face Racing Santander.