La Liga preview: Real, Barca ready for Clasico

One match dominates proceedings in La Liga this weekend, with Real Madrid travelling to Barcelona for the hugely anticipated ‘Clasico’.

League leaders Real arrive at the Camp Nou for Monday’s match with a one-point advantage over their arch rivals after seven wins in a row.

Barcelona have managed six successive victories – including an 8-0 demolition of Almeria last Saturday – meaning something has to give in the first of two annual showdowns between Spain’s fiercest rivals.

The match is being billed as a shootout between La Liga’s rampant top scorers – Real’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who has bagged 14 goals in 12 games, up against Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, one goal behind the Portuguese.

For added spice, Jose Mourinho will take charge of his first match against Barcelona since he ended their defence of the Champions League en route to winning the competition with Inter Milan last season.

Mourinho has plenty of history with Barcelona. An assistant to former managers Sir Bobby Robson and Louis Van Gaal between 1996 and 2000, he was dismissively referred to as ‘the translator’ during two visits to the club as Chelsea manager.

“The fans in the Camp Nou will never forgive me for denying them the opportunity to win the Champions League at the Santiago Bernabeu,” Mourinho said.

“I’m a persona non grata as far as Barcelonistas are concerned, so I’ll get a hostile reception.”

With the top two already seven points clear of their nearest challengers, the chasing pack will be praying for a draw as they attempt to make up ground.

Third-placed Villarreal appear best placed to do so, they travel to bottom side Real Zaragoza on Saturday, while sixth play fourth respectively when Atletico Madrid host Espanyol.

Seventh-placed Sevilla are at home to Getafe.

On Sunday, second bottom Almeria, who sacked coach Juan Manuel Lillo after their humiliation against Barcelona last weekend, will seek redemption away to Valencia, while Mallorca have a home game against struggling Malaga.

Two promoted sides meet when Hercules host Levante, Racing Santander are at home to Deportivo La Coruna and Real Sociedad have an away match against Sporting Gijon.

Osasuna travel to face Athletic Bilbao in a midtable battle at San Mames.