La Liga preview: Race is on to impress Spain coach

Athletic Bilbao and Valencia may be out of contention for the La Liga title, but one man will be watching both teams closely this weekend.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque saw his team dispatch Venezuela 5-0 in an international friendly on Wednesday, a match which featured a second-half hat-trick from Roberto Soldado.

The Valencia striker did not start the game at Malaga’s La Rosaleda, instead coming on at half-time for Fernando Llorente.

With Barca’s David Villa injured and Chelsea man Fernando Torres woefully out of form – the latter was left out of the Spain squad altogether – Del Bosque must decide who will lead the line when Spain attempt to defend their European Championship crown in Poland and Ukraine later this year.

Athletic centre-forward Llorente featured off the bench in Spain’s 2010 World Cup success, but Soldado’s blistering form this season finally proved too much for Del Bosque to ignore, and he seized his chance in emphatic fashion this week.

There is nothing to separate Soldado and Llorente so far this term – both have scored 20 goals in all competitions, and that form is reflected in the fortunes of their respective clubs.

Valencia, third on the table, are away to promoted club Granada on Sunday.

On the same day, Athletic, just six points behind Valencia in fifth place, host Real Sociedad at Estadio San Mames.

Later on Sunday, runaway leaders Real Madrid, 10 points clear of defending champions Barcelona, are at home to eighth-placed Espanyol.

A day earlier, Barca are at home to Sporting Gijon, while Atletico Madrid go to Sevilla.

Promoted Rayo Vallecano await the visit of Racing Santander, Osasuna make the trip to Mallorca, and Getafe play host to Malaga.

Bottom side Real Zaragoza are at home to Villarreal in the early kick-off on Sunday.

And on Monday, Real Betis travel to face Levante in the final match of the round.