MADRID, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The run to the title in Spain, along with the battle to qualify for Europe and the need to avoid relegation, will continue this weekend in Matchday 32 in the Liga Santander. Here are some things to look out for.

1 Barca to rest players in Huesca

FC Barcelona will view Saturday's visit to bottom of the table Huesca as the chance to rest key players following an intense week of football.

Wednesday saw Barca take a big step towards the Champions League semifinals with a 1-0 win away to Manchester United, just days after they beat Atletico Madrid 2-0 to move 10 points clear at the top of the Liga Santander.

Two vital games in seven days (with the return leg against United next Tuesday) means that coach Ernesto Valverde will use the trip to Huesca to allow Leo Messi, Sergio Busquets and perhaps Gerard Pique the chance to rest, but Barca have to be careful against a rival that has improved a lot since they lost 8-2 in the Camp Nou earlier this season.

2 Key players out in the Wanda

Atletico Madrid are without key players when they entertain an improving Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Thomas Partey and Jose Gimenez are out due to suspension, while Diego Costa starts the first of an eight-match ban for his sending off in Barcelona. Meanwhile Alvaro Morata, Stefan Savic, Lemar and Diego Godin are all struggling with injury, leaving Simeone with problems in defense and attack.

Celta have taken seven points from three games since Iago Aspas returned from injury, but Aspas will also miss the game through suspension. While Atletico will have B-teamers in defense, Celta will see a test of their morale without their inspirational leader.

3 Seville derby with Europe in the headlights

Sevilla entertain Betis in the Seville derby on Saturday and the fact that the game comes at the start of the traditional Easter celebrations in the city is only going to add to the passion in the game.

Sevilla vs Betis is the tensest derby in Spain (more so than Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid) and games can get bogged down by fouls and gamesmanship with football often taking a back seat.

Saturday's derby arrives with Sevilla fifth in the table and looking for a place in the Champions League, while Betis are just two points off seventh place, which will probably give a Europa League spot for next season.

Add to that is the news that Sevilla coach Joaquin Caparros announced last week he has leukemia and you have all the ingredients for 90 minutes of passion in the Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.

4 Europe and relegation also the focal point

The weekend also sees several matches with Europe and the struggle to avoid relegation taking center stage: Eighth place Athletic Club will test second from bottom Rayo Vallecano, who will hope to take a boost from last weekend's win at home to Valencia.

Valencia, currently sixth, have a city derby against Levante, who are just three points off the relegation zone, while Girona, on 34 points, entertain Villarreal, who have just 30, in tense a head to head clash to avoid the drop.

Finally, Valladolid coach Sergio Gonzalez could face the sack if his team (who are fourth from bottom) lose at home to Getafe, who are fourth from the top and looking to qualify for the Champions league.

The title may be just about decided, but there is still lots to play for elsewhere in La Liga. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)