MADRID, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Matchday 12 in La Liga comes after the majority of the teams in the competition made their debuts in this season's Copa del Rey in midweek, and although most carried out widespread rotations to their starting elevens, that could benefit the four teams who have enjoyed a week off.
Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Osasuna, all of whom play in the Spanish Super Cup in January, have the privilege of sitting out the first two rounds of the knockout tournament and have been able to focus fully on their coming league games.
A win for Atletico Madrid in Las Palmas on Saturday night would make them league leaders for at least 24 hours, although it will not be easy against a rival that seems to have taken a page out of Diego Simeone's handbook.
Las Palmas have conceded just 10 goals and scored just eight on their return to the top flight, and rely on keeping things tight in defense.
If Atletico win, their leadership could be short-lived as second-placed Girona are in action on Saturday lunchtime, with Michel Sanchez's side travelling to Pamplona to face Osasuna.
Osasuna have had all week to prepare for their game, while Girona needed a 98th-minute goal to win away to fourth-tier San Roque de Lepe on a heavy pitch in their cup tie.
Saturday's big game is in San Sebastian as fifth-placed Real Sociedad host a Barcelona side needing to recover from their defeat to Real Madrid last weekend.
A win for Imanol Alguacil's entertaining Real Sociedad side would take them to within two points of Barca and set alarm bells ringing for coach Xavi Hernandez. Xavi will be glad to have Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde available after their injury problems, but needs to see a big improvement in performances.
Real Betis have climbed to seventh after a run of six unbeaten games in La Liga, and will be favorites to extend that run against a Mallorca side that has drawn four and lost two of their last six.
Both Celta Vigo and Sevilla desperately need a win when they meet, with Celta third from bottom and coach Rafa Benitez under pressure, while Sevilla haven't won in four games and have yet to show much improvement since the arrival of Diego Alonso as coach.
Almeria travel to play Alaves still seeking their first league win of the campaign, although Gaizka Garitano's team will have enjoyed a morale boost after beating Talavera in the cup on Tuesday night.
Granada coach Paco Lopez is also in danger of the sack with his side second from bottom, as some good attacking play is constantly undone by a defense that has shipped 28 goals this season.
A visit to a hungry and dynamic Valencia doesn't look as if it will ease Granada's position, and Lopez could be in trouble if they lose again.
Athletic Bilbao have injury worries for their visit to an inconsistent Villarreal, with some key defenders likely to miss the trip.
Real Madrid are last up on Sunday with a home match against Rayo Vallecano, and the home fans will be looking to see Jude Bellingham continue his remarkable start to life in Spain, while Vinicius Jr aims to celebrate the new contract he signed this week with a goal. ■
