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Spanish big 3 face Sunday matches

Xinhua, October 1, 2016 Adjust font size:

Real Madrid and FC Barcelona both play their Primera Liga matches on Sunday afternoon in their last games before the international break.

Real Madrid entertain Eibar, while Barcelona face a complicated trip to play an improving Celta Vigo in the Balaidos Stadium.

Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane will be without midfielder Casimiro and left back Marcelo through injury, while striker Alvaro Morata will be a doubt until the last minute with a muscle problem.

Zidane also has to decide whether or not to give Keylor Navas his first league appearance of the campaign after the Costa Rican had a mixed return to the side in the 2-2 draw away to Borussia Dortmund in midweek. Navas made a series of fine saves, but was at fault for the opening goal scored by the German side as he failed to hold a cross.

Eibar have enjoyed another positive start to the campaign, but coach Jose Luis Mendilibar will want his players to make a better start to the game than they did on their last trip to the Bernabeu when they shipped three early goals to mean the game was over as a contest before halftime.

Leo Messi is still out of action for Barcelona for their trip to Vigo as he continues his recovery from a groin strain.

Central defender Samuel Untiti is also sidelined with a ligament problem and Jeremy Mathieu will probably partner Gerard Pique in the Barca defense, with Arda Turan getting the nod over Paco Alcacer in attack.

Barca won their Champions League game away to Borussia Monchengladbach in midweek, but made hard work of the game, while Celta were in Europa League action on Thursday, having to wait until late before defeating Panathinaikos 2-0.

Celta have recovered from a slow start to the campaign and have won their last three matches in all competitions and have not forgotten how last season saw them destroy Barca 4-1 in front of their home fans.

Sunday also sees a fascinating game in Valencia where the home side entertain Atletico Madrid.

Atletico look to be flying at the present, but Valencia have won their last two matches under temporary coach, Voro who will be in charge for the last time before former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli takes over the reins at the club. Endit