MADRID, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- Matchday eight in the Spanish Liga Santander is the last before another international break and that is always dangerous for coaches whose clubs are struggling, while Real Madrid and Barcelona face tough home games with their coaches still being questioned. Here are some things to look out for in Spain this weekend.

1. Will the real Real Madrid stand up?

Real Madrid looked to have recovered from an irregular start to the season with wins in Seville and at home to Levante as well as a solid draw away to Atletico Madrid last Saturday.

However, much of that good work was undone with a poor display at home to Bruges in the Champions League on Tuesday night that leaves Zinedine Zidane's side with a lot of work to do to qualify from their group.

Neither Gareth Bale nor James Rodriguez were in Tuesday's squad and both will probably return on Saturday when they entertain second placed Granada.

The recently promoted side is this season's surprise package and if they can continue with their excellent start to the season, Zidane could face a nervous few days.

2. Defensive issues for Barca against Sevilla

Injuries and suspensions mean that FC Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has to make changes in defense for Sunday's home game against Sevilla.

Wins against Getafe and Inter Milan have taken some pressure off Valverde, who was boosted by Leo Messi's return against Inter, but with Jordi Alba, Junior Firpo, Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet all out, the coach has few options other that to drop Sergi Roberto to right back, move Nelson Semedo across to the left and bring in 19-year-old Jean-Clair Todibo to partner Gerard Pique in central defense.

Most will look to Messi's return, but against a free scoring Sevilla, the game will be won and lost at the back.

3. Real Sociedad strikers to make hay against Getafe?

Real Sociedad may have lost 3-2 in Sevilla last week, but the Basque side once again showed they have one of the best attacks in the Liga Santander.

Martin Odegaard has been the revelation of the campaign and his understanding with Mikel Oyarzabal and Willian Jose has helped 'La Real' score 12 league goals so far this season.

Sunday's rivals Getafe have had a slow start to the season, due partly to playing in Europe, and they travel to the north of Spain after playing in Russia on Thursday, which isn't the best preparation for what will certainly be a demanding game.

4. Nervous time for some coaches?

International breaks are a good time for struggling clubs to change their coaches as the two weeks without a match allows the replacement coach time to bed in.

Three coaches will be hoping for a win this weekend with Espanyol's David Gallego perhaps most at risk if his side fails to win in Mallorca despite Thursday's Europa League win in Moscow. However, Fran Escriba at Celta Vigo also needs a positive result as his side plays at home to Athletic Club Bilbao, who are unbeaten on the road this season.

Meanwhile Mauricio Pellegrino is another coach under pressure. Leganes are bottom of the league with just two points from their first seven games of the campaign and despite his excellent work last season, defeat at home to Levante could see his second season come to a premature end. Enditem

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