Madrid, Licking their wounds after the visit of muscular Chelsea this week, the last thing Barcelona need at the moment is another tough game.

But that's exactly what they'll have Saturday, away to a young Deportivo Coruna side who are always difficult at home.

Deportivo are currently seventh in the Spanish Liga, but only five points behind leaders Barca.

"It's a very important game for us," said hard-working coach Joaquin Caparros. "I hope that they come here tired, after so many hard games in recent weeks."

Barca coach Frank Rijkaard, who lost his customary cool Tuesday after the home draw to Chelsea in the Champions League, will again be shuffling the pack, probably bringing in players like Lilian Thuram, Sylvinho and Ludovic Giuly, none of whom started against Chelsea.

Also Atletico Madrid will be hoping to end their dismal recent run Saturday, away to midtable Mallorca.

Atletico made a bright start but are now crippled by injuries and have failed to score in three matches.

Saturday's other match is a relegation scrap between Levante and Real Sociedad.

Sociedad are still rock bottom, with just two points. New coach Miguel Angel Lotina has so far made no difference at all.

"We really must start winning soon," said Sociedad striker Darko Kovacevic. "We are creating chances ... but are still not very sharp in front of goal."

The big game Sunday sees in-form Real Madrid at home to Celta Vigo. Third-placed Real are now just two points behind Barca and confident of closing the gap.

One player who will miss the match is Antonio Cassano, who has been suspended and fined for insulting coach Fabio Capello after not coming off the sub's bench in Tarragona.

Another angry man in white is Ronaldo, also annoyed at his lack of match time, but better able to control his temper.

Celta are stuck in mid table, with just 10 points. Second-placed Sevilla are at home to Osasuna on Sunday, while fourth-placed Zaragoza take on Getafe.

Valencia, which has slipped down to fifth place in recent weeks, are away to an Espanyol side who are, as usual, at the wrong end of the table.