Liga under racism cloud in Clasico fallout
Leaders Barcelona return to league action away to Valencia on Sunday after a typically charged El Clasico in the cup where Dani Alves claims he was subjected to racial abuse.
With the league title seemingly out of sight, as Real Madrid trail Barca by 15 points, it means there is added incentive for Jose Mourinho's men to beat their arch-rivals in the semifinal of the Spanish Cup.
The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, but the aftermath was overshadowed by Barcelona's Brazilian defender Alves claiming he was subjected to racial abuse at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"It is a shame, however you are feeling (about the game) people should be there to support their team and there are too many racist insults," he said.
"Sadly it is a lost battle because until they take more drastic action then it will continue. I didn't think of walking off the pitch. This wasn't a one-off, it happens in a lot of stadiums.
"They need to punish clubs but not with fines like 1 000 or 2 000 euros. They need to be heavier and in England, for example, you would be unlikely to see this happen. In Spain there isn't respect in football stadiums."
Barca responded to their first defeat of the season away to Real Sociedad by thumping Osasuna 5-1 at home last week but now they have a tricky game against a rejuvenated Valencia under Ernesto Valverde.
"We can't afford to let them think as we know how they can punish you. We have to try and squeeze them and give them as little space as possible to work in," said defender Victor Ruiz.
"Of course we can beat them. Real Sociedad did it only recently and we will go out to win."
Real Madrid appear to finally be finding their form, with nine goals from their last two league matches, and travel to Granada.
"There is little difference between Barca and us. It is just that in the league we have made a lot of mistakes and that is the reason for the distance," said Madrid assistant Aitor Karanka.
Second-placed Atletico Madrid will look to maintain their winning run at home this season with the arrival of Real Betis while Malaga, in fourth, entertain Zaragoza.
High-flying Rayo Vallecano have a tough trip to Sevilla who have started well under new coach Unai Emery and are looking to push for a European place.
At the other end of the table, Deportivo La Coruna take on Getafe, Mallorca are against Real Sociedad and Osasuna play Celta Vigo.
Elsewhere, Espanyol meet Levante and Valladolid are in action against Athletic Bilbao.
Fixtures:
Friday
Valladolid v Athletic Bilbao
Saturday
Osasuna v Celta Vigo
Getafe v Deportivo La Coruna
Espanyol v Levante
Granada v Real Madrid
Sunday
Malaga v Zaragoza
Sevilla v Rayo Vallecano
Valencia v Barcelona
Atletico Madrid v Real Betis
Real Sociedad v Mallorca
