'Real expended a lot of energy in their match against Bayern and for them the second leg is more crucial than the match against us,' Celta coach Victor Fernandez said this week. 'The more concerned they are about the Bayern match the better it is for Celta.'

The good news for Real coach Vicente Del Bosque is that, with just six games left, his team enjoys a comfortable nine-point cushion over second-placed Deportivo Coruna.

Midfielders Steve McManaman, Ivan Helguera, Guti and Claude Makelele and central defender Aitor Karanka are all likely to be rested after picking up minor injuries in the 1-0 defeat first leg defeat by Bayern.

But Del Bosque has the luxury of being able to choose from a bench packed full of internationals as replacements. Ivan Campo should slot into defence, while Flavio Conceicao, Albert Celades, Santiago Solari and Savio are likely to fill the gaps in midfield and attack.

After a disastrous run before Christmas in wich they trod water just above the treacherous relegation zone Celta have now gone unbeaten in 13 of their last 14 matches and occupy one of the UEFA Cup qualification places.

With Russian international Alexander Mostovoi back to his imperious best in midfield and Argentina's Gustavo Lopez providing a ready supply of pinpoint crosses Celta striker Catanha will be looking to add his tally of 15 goals this season.

OTHER MATCHES (league positions in parentheses, kick-off times 1600 GMT unless stated):

Saturday, May 5:

ESPANYOL (10) v BARCELONA (5) 1900

Despite a much-improved performance in a 1-1 draw against Celta last week, Barcelona still dropped four points behind the qualification places for next season's Champions League.

But new coach Carles Rexach will be reassured by the fact that his side have not lost a Catalan derby at the Montjuic stadium since Espanyol moved there four years ago. Patrick Kluivert is back after suspension but Pep Guardiola and Gabri are out after picking up their fifth yellow cards last week.

REAL SOCIEDAD (17) v VALENCIA (3) 1815

Hector Cuper may choose to rest players ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semifinal second leg against Leeds United. Mauricio Pellegrino is doubtful with a calf injury and striker Juan Sanchez and defender Miroslav Djukic are suspended.

John Toshack's Real are without influential forward Edgaras Jankauskas, who begins a four-match suspension after being sent off for violent conduct in last week's 3-1 defeat at Las Palmas.

Sunday, May 6:

ALAVES (9) v RACING SANTANDER (19)

Alaves have lost their last two matches and coach 'Mane' is worried that reaching the UEFA Cup final has taken the edge off their league form.

He looks likely to recall top scorer Javi Moreno, who has recovered from a ankle injury, for his first start in over a month. Defender Oscar Tellez is suspended after a red card last week. Racing are in desperate need of the points and are sure to put up a tough fight.

OSASUNA (18) v REAL MALLORCA (4)

Relegation-threatened Osasuna continue their tough schedule against the top teams but coach Miguel Angel Lotina must have been heartened by their fine win against Barcelona and their draw against Real Madrid.

Mallorca, who have negotiated the release of striker Samuel Eto'o from Cameroon's World Cup qualifier against Angola, are looking to consolidate their Champions League place with a win.

RAYO VALLECANO (12) v DEPORTIVO CORUNA (2) 1800

Deportivo's poor away form has been responsible for their falling nine points behind Real in the league. They have lost their last four away matches and need a win if they are to benefit from any slip-up by the leaders.

Veteran defender Donato is suspended after a red card in last week's 1-0 win against Espanyol and Noureddine Naybet is on international duty with Morocco.

REAL OVIEDO (16) v ATHLETIC BILBAO (11)

Oviedo fought back to grab a 2-2 draw at Malaga last Sunday and will be relying on their fine home form to carry them through against poor travellers Athletic.

Forwards Joseba Etxebarria and Julen Guerrero are still out injured for the Basque side, while midfielder Bittor Alkiza is suspended.

REAL ZARAGOZA (14) v NUMANCIA (20) 1700

Zaragoza have sorely missed injured striker Juan Eduardo Esnaider in recent games and are now only four points clear of the relegation zone. They could be in real difficulties if they stumble against bottom club Numancia. The outlook for the side from Soria is bleak after their 3-1 loss to Villarreal.

VALLADOLID (15) v MALAGA (8)

Valladolid, who have lost only twice at home this season, will be hoping to cash in on Malaga's selection problems against the in-form Andalucians.

Malaga forward Edgar and midfielder Agostinho are injured and leading striker Dely Valdes is a doubtful starter, while defenders Miguel Angel Roteta and Txomin Larrainzar are both missing through suspension.

VILLARREAL (7) v LAS PALMAS (13)