With almost a third of the season gone, there are three unbeaten sides in La Liga.
Of course, that can end this weekend when two of those clubs put their records on the line against each other.
Football games like the clash of the top two have all the hallmarks of a thriller.
The sports betting credentials of Valencia will certainly be tested against the culture club from Catalonia.
WEEK 13 SATURDAY:
Celta Vigo vs Leganes
Leganes are flying but had a reminder of life at the top end last weekend.
A 3-0 home reverse to Barcelona showed what life is like just above them.
Celta Vigo have the incentive knowing victory will move them above their opponents.
Alaves vs Eibar
This is a crucial game, particularly for the home side.
A defeat here could present a mini mountain for the last season’s Copa del Rey finalists to climb, even at this stage of the campaign.
Meanwhile, Eibar are flying after their 5-0 dissection of Betis earlier in the week.
Real Madrid vs Malaga
Real know their mission is set – win every game between now and the winter break and see if they can close the gap on leaders Barcelona.
The 10 points that separate them from their arch rivals is not insurmountable, but it is large.
They should see off lowly Malaga, even though the visitors saw off Deportivo at the weekend. Real will hope second-placed Valencia can check the Catalans’ progress.
WEEK 13 SUNDAY:
Real Betis vs Girona
Betis had hoped to close in on a European place – then they went to Eibar and got a tonking.
Girona won’t make life easy for them.
Their tendency to pick up points here and there means their first third of the season has been a success.
Levante vs Atletico Madrid
It’s back to domestic duties for Diego Simeone’s men after their European triumph over Roma.
They may be 10 points off the pace, but it’s easy to forget the Rojiblancos are unbeaten.
However, just like their city rivals, they also need to put a string of wins together.
Deportivo La Coruna vs Athletic Bilbao
With much speculation about the future of visiting goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, can Deportivo take advantage?
They certainly need to bounce back after going down to then bottom club Malaga last weekend.
And Atletico may be slightly jaded after their Europa League exertions.
Real Sociedad vs Las Palmas
The hosts are one place from an automatic European spot.
The Canary Island club are bottom.
Both need the points for very different reasons.
WEEK 13 MONDAY:
Villarreal vs Sevilla
As the world of football rallies around Sevilla coach, Eduardo Berizzo, after his cancer diagnosis, which Sevilla side will turn up against the Yellow Submarine?
The side which looked sluggish and one-paced against Liverpool in the opening 45 minutes of their Champions League tie, or the side which attacked with such panache after the break to fight back from the brink?
Fifth versus sixth – can one of these sides now get back into the top four which they have slipped just outside?
Valencia vs Barcelona
The top two – the surprise package of La Liga against the aristocrats.
But if Marcelino’s side emerge victorious they will have sealed an impressive 10 wins in a row.
Valencia’s current start to the season, nine victories and three draws, is the club’s best ever and the Mestalla will be bouncing, even if the suspended Marcelino will have to watch from the stands as opposed to the touchline.
With Gerard Pique suspended and Javier Mascherano injured, this could be a leveller, although Lionel Messi should be fresh after being rested in midweek.
WEEK 13 TUESDAY:
RCD Espanyol vs Getafe
Mid-table fare to bring the weekend programme to a close.
The hosts have only one win in their last five, the visitors are unbeaten in four.
The results of matches like this can ensure clubs don’t get drawn into a relegation fight.
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