Four things to look out for in Spain's matchday 21

Matchday 21 in the Liga Santander sees some sides with new faces in their ranks following the closure of the winter transfer window: here are four things to look out for this weekend in Spain.

1) The calendar has been kind to Real Madrid

It's less than a fortnight since Real Madrid were knocked out of the King's Cup by Celta Vigo and now Zinedine Zidane takes his side back to Vigo in the Liga Santander looking for three points to maintain his side's 4 point lead at the top of the table.

Madrid probably travel to Vigo at the perfect time, for while their Cup exit has given them a week off, Celta played Alaves in the first leg of their semi-final on Thursday night, leaving them just two days to prepare for the visit of the league leaders.

Under normal circumstances Celta would go flat out for Madrid, but with a Cup final appearance up for grabs for the first time in 16 years, Celta coach Eduardo Berizzo can be forgiven for resting players such as Iago Aspes and Pablo Hernandez, something which will only make Madrid's task easier than it would have been.

2) Can new signings make a difference at struggling Granada and Leganes?

Although Granada look to be doomed to relegation with just 10 points from 20 matches, it is clear the club has not given up hope of a miracle and they have been busy in the January transfer market with 8 players leaving and 6 new faces brought in. Adrian Ramos looks the most interesting and the Colombian signed on loan from Borussia Dortmund gave flashes of talent in last weekend's defeat to Villarreal. Meanwhile defender Hector Hernandez and the ever-aggressive Wakaso could give more bite to a side which has at times shown the talent to survive, but looked as if it lacks the appetite.

Two of Granada's departures: Alberto Bueno and Tito have joined Leganes, who have also signed well to bring more firepower to a squad lacking goal. Samu Garcia has also joined the side fourth from bottom, who have looked well-drilled, but need a goalscorer to avoid the threat of relegation. Bueno and Samu have scored goals in the past, if they can score 15 between then between now and the end of the season Leganes should be safe.

3) Crunch time for Sevilla and Barca

Last weekend saw the sides second and third in the table cede ground to Real Madrid leaving them very little room for maneuver in the title race.

This weekend sees Sevilla, who also signed well in January, with Stefan Jovetic and Nacho Montoya moving to the Sanchez Pizjuan, face a tough home game against Villarreal, while Barcelona, tired from midweek cup exploits, take on Athletic Club Bilbao in the Camp Nou.

There is still a long way to go, but with Madrid holding a four point lead and with a game in hand, we are reaching a stage where both sides are walking a tightrope where any slip could be fatal. It is moment for nerves of steel and in Barca's case for legs able to last the pace of another demanding season.

4) Now or never for Sporting

There have been signs of recovery at Sporting Gijon in the two matches since Joan Ferrer "Rubi" replaced Aberlado Fernandez as coach three weeks ago.

Rubi has so far seen Sporting battle to a 0-0 draw away to Betis and give Athletic Club more problems than expected away to Athletic Club Bilbao, now he oversees his first home game in charge when Sporting entertain Alaves on Sunday afternoon.

Alaves travel to Gijon after a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their King's Cup semi-final against Celta Vigo and with a possible final place up for grabs now is probably the best time to play a side which has shown itself to be hard-working and tremendously well-organized.

Sporting are currently five points behind 17th placed Leganes, who face a tough visit to play Atletico Madrid: a win would not only maintain Sporting's improved morale, but also possibly bring them into one result of escaping the drop zone. On the other hand a defeat would take them back to square one.... It's now or never for Sporting. Endit