Wednesday key day for Spanish La Liga title race

Wednesday sees a decisive round of matches which could go a long way to deciding the destination of the BBVA Primera Liga title in Spain as Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid all face potentially complicated rivals.

Barcelona's almost unprecedented run of a draw and three defeats from their last four games has seen their lead at the top of the table evaporate and now only goal difference keeps them ahead of Atletico Madrid.

Luis Enrique has to turn things around as they travel to face Deportivo la Coruna, whose 1-1 draw in Seville on Sunday virtually assured their top flight presence for next season.

Barca will be without the suspended Gerard Pique for a game they have to win if they want to maintain their leadership.

Meanwhile the main worry for Enrique will be the poor form of his attacking trip, Leo Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar since the start of the month.

Atletico Madrid have a difficult away game against Athletic Club Bilbao, who climbed to fifth in the table following their battling 1-0 win in Malaga on Sunday.

Atletico will be without midfielder Gabi, which could take some of the bite from their tackling, but with Koke and Fernando Torres in form they will be optimistic against a home side missing top scorer Aritz Aduriz, striker Sabin Merino and defender Aymeric Laporte, although Inaki Williams is back for the Basques after shaking off a hamstring problem.

Real Madrid are one point off the top and are at home to fourth place Villarreal, who can't afford to slip up again following their surprise weekend defeat against Rayo Vallecano.

Villarreal have a six point cushion over Athletic Club, but defeat in the Bernabeu, where they took a point last year, could put their Champions League place in jeopardy.

Real Madrid have no new injury worries and Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric should return after being rested at the weekend for a game which could see them take over the leadership when 4 weeks ago they were 12 points behind Barca. Endit