Elche

Rayo Vallecano The battle to avoid relegation takes centre stage this weekend as Rayo Vallecano host Almeria in a crucial match at the bottom of La Liga.

Lionel Messi Barcelona coach Luis Enrique praised Lionel Messi after the star's brace in their 3-0 win over Elche on Sunday.

Barcelona Luis Suarez could make his Barcelona debut in a mouth-watering El Clasico clash with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in October.

Barcelona Barcelona hope to put a difficult few days behind them when they host Elche in the first leg of the Copa del Rey last 16 on Thursday.

Valencia Valencia lost ground in the chase for the Liga title in a shock 2-1 derby defeat at Levante on Sunday.

Espanyol Kiko Casilla is not daunted by the prospect of facing Barcelona's world-class forward line on Saturday in a Catalan derby that the Espanyol goalkeeper says is "different from any other".

Barcelona La Liga faces a potentially game-changing weekend as the top three clubs all prepare for tough clashes throughout Spain.

Barcelona Atletico Madrid stuffed a golden chance to secure the La Liga title on Sunday, ensuring their race with Barcelona goes to the final day.