Surprise packages Deportivo and Real Mallorca clash

Valencia host rivals Villarreal on Sunday as both sides aim to bounce back from their midweek cup exits to Deportivo La Coruna and Celta Vigo respectively.

Villarreal have been climbing towards the European spots after a horrid start and Valencia will be keen to move further away from a side that finished league runners-up two seasons ago.

Fresh from their thrilling cup win over Valencia, Deportivo travel to Real Mallorca on Sunday in a clash between the two surprise packages of the season.

Depor are fourth while Mallorca are a point behind in sixth going into the game at the Ono Stadium.

Mallorca have a perfect eight wins at home which has been the platform for their impressive season while Depor’s miserly defence has been at the heart of their success with just 16 goals conceded in 17 matches.

A relegation battle takes place on Sunday when Real Zaragoza and Xerez, the bottom two sides, lock horns at the Romareda.

Xerez sacked their manager Jose Angel Ziganda this week after the club won just one of their first 17 matches and technical secretary Antonio Poyatos takes charge of first team affairs on an interim basis.

Zaragoza’s new coach Jose Aurelio Gay has only been in charge three games himself and has collected just one point from nine as he waits for a first win.

Fixtures

Sunday – all 1600 GMT unless stated

Malaga v Getafe, Racing Santander v Valladolid, Almeria v Tenerife, Real Zaragoza v Xerez, Real Mallorca v Deportivo La Coruna, Atletico Madrid v Sporting Gijon (1800 GMT), Valencia v Villarreal (2000 GMT)