|
MADRID, March 5-- The hangover from last weekend's 'Clasico' between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona will last on the 27th round of games this weekend in the Liga Santander as Barca need to recover from their defeat in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium while Madrid look to build on their triumph. The weekend begins on Friday night with Alaves, who have been in good form, at home to Valencia, who travel without several key defenders such as Ezequiel Garay, Cristiano Piccini and Francis Coquelin. Valencia coach Albert Celades will have to consider resting players ahead of his side's Champions League tie at home to Atalanta, where Valencia will have to try and fight back from 4-1 down in a ground closed to fans due to fears of the coronavirus. Eibar have a great chance to put some ground between themselves and the relegation zone when they entertain third from bottom Mallorca in the Ipurua Stadium on Saturday lunchtime. Saturday's second game is vital for qualification for next season's Champions League as fifth placed Atletico Madrid entertain Sevilla, who moved up to third with a dramatic win at home to Osasuna. Yet, Sevilla have not convinced in recent games and Atletico will think they have a good chance of taking all three points, despite having one eye on next week's Champions League tie away to Liverpool and a suspension for midfielder Thomas Partey. Barcelona are next up with a vital game at home to Real Sociedad. The Basque side will travel with their morale sky high after qualifying for their first Copa del Rey final in 32 years on Wednesday night and they are playing some of the best football in Spain. | 
