La Liga Fixtures 2014 Week 13: Schedule, Live Stream Info, Picks and Key Players
Just four points separate the top three sides as the 2014-15 La Liga campaign hits one third completion this weekend, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona set to face tricky away ties that could alter the balance of the title race.
Real may appear invincible at present but must travel to play sixth-placed Malaga in Andalusia on Saturday night, while Sunday will see Barcelona attempt to conquer the Mestalla against fourth-placed Valencia.
While both sides invariably win when at their best, neither can afford to show too many ill-effects from their midweek European exertions if they are to claim three points. Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, will host lowly Deportivo La Coruna.
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A full list of the Week 13 La Liga fixtures can be seen here:
| Friday, 29 Nov. 2014 | Real Sociedad vs. Elche | 19.45 | Sky Sports 5/BeIN Sports | 2-0 |
| Saturday, 30 Nov. 2014 | Getafe vs. Athletic | 15.00 | BeIN Sports | 0-0 |
| Saturday, 30 Nov. 2014 | Espanyol vs. Levante | 17.00 | 2-1 | |
| Saturday, 30 Nov. 2014 | Malaga vs. Real Madrid | 19.00 | Sky Sports 5/BeIN Sports | 1-4 |
| Saturday, 30 Nov. 2014 | Celta de Viga vs. Eibar | 21.00 | Sky Sports 5/BeIN Sports | 2-0 |
| Sunday, 1 Dec. 2014 | Atletico Madrid vs. Deportivo | 11.00 | Sky Sports 5 | 1-0 |
| Sunday, 1 Dec. 2014 | Sevilla vs. Granada | 16.00 | BeIN Sports | 3-1 |
| Sunday, 1 Dec. 2014 | Cordoba vs. Villarreal | 18.00 | Sky Sports 5/BeIN Sports | 1-2 |
| Sunday, 1 Dec. 2014 | Valencia vs. Barcelona | 20.00 | Sky Sports 5/BeIN Sports | 2-3 |
| Monday, 2 Dec. 2014 | Almeria vs. Rayo Vallecano | 19.45 | BeIN Sports | 1-1 |
Live Streaming
As ever, Sky Sports (UK) will show a number of games from Spain this weekend with scheduling information shown above.
For those with a subscription unable to watch on television, all games can be watched via the Sky Go application on handheld devices or the SkyGo official website.
Highlights of all games plus expert analysis will be shown on Revista de la Liga on Sky Sports 1 on Tuesday night at 6 p.m. GMT.
For viewers in the United States, the games listed can be seen on BeIN Sports TV or via the BeIN Sports Connect website and application.
Top Picks
Real Sociedad vs. Elche
David Moyes' first home match in charge of La Real sees his side take on second-bottom Elche in what is surely a highly winnable encounter for the Basque side.
Having secured a creditable away draw to Deportivo in his first game in charge, despite a delayed flight and injuries to key players in defence and midfield, the Scot will hope to build momentum with an early victory.
Moyes' tenure in Spain will be intriguing to watch for those who are familiar with his time in England, with his compact playing style not immediately in-keeping with the style of play associated with Spain. He will have to adapt but, as he told ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan, he can perhaps also supply his side with a much-needed boost in intensity.
This early newspaper article would suggest he is not yet looking to change his methods too much:
However his time in Spain works out, it will be fascinating to see how such a renowned "British-style" manager adapts to life in La Liga so many years on from the likes of Sir Bobby Robson and Terry Venables.
Valencia vs. Barcelona
Without doubt the clash of the weekend sees Nuno Espirito Santo's Valencia take on Barcelona at the Mestalla in what is a top-four clash despite recent dips in form for both sides.
Both Valencia and Barcelona began the season flying under new managers, attracting many plaudits for the speed and intensity of their play. Now, as the duo come head-to-head, it will be fascinating to see how both sides adapt to meeting opposition with such similar tactical instruction.
The recent form of both Lionel Messi and Neymar has been attracting much attention, especially given the Argentine's breaking of both La Liga and Champions League goalscoring records in the space of just a few days this week.
To even stand a chance of avoiding defeat, Nuno's side must come up with a means of subduing Barca's golden pair but that is a far from easy task even with an entire week to prepare. That, though, is Valencia's task for the weekend.
Key Players
Carlos Kameni
With Real Madrid coming to the Rosaleda stadium on Saturday, Malaga will expect to be tested to their very limits simply to escape with a draw against Carlo Ancelotti's side. As such, goalkeeper Carlos Kameni will undoubtedly have a major role to play in the clash.
Perhaps the best goalkeeper in African football history in terms of longevity at the top of the European game, Kameni is renowned for his excellent reflexes and shot-stopping ability. It is not beyond him to put in a world-class performance to deny Real at every turn over the course of 90 minutes.
As the following tweet shows, however, Kameni had a woeful game last time out against Atletico Madrid and is coming under pressure with Mexican Guillermo Ochoa his more than capable back-up option:
Even if Malaga should step up to the mark against their illustrious opponents, Kameni will still have to perform. He will undoubtedly have to make big saves to keep his side in the game given the strength of Real's forward line.
The Cameroonian has that ability but will Saturday's match be one in which he responds to criticism and produces his best form?
Carlos Vela
If Moyes is to turn things around in Sociedad, he needs his forwards to start scoring goals on a regular basis—something they have been failing to do so far this season.
Mexican Carlos Vela looked the most threatening of his attacking options against Deportivo last weekend, cutting in from the left-flank with menace. However, La Real once more drew a blank in front of goal.
It is all very well Moyes rectifying the side's defensive leaks, but if his strikers are not scoring it will not improve results. Vela, Sergio Canales, Imanol Agirretxe and out-of-form summer signing Alfred Finnbogason must share that burden.
Given his recent success on his return to the Mexico side, Vela is the man best equipped to set that ball rolling at present. In front of the Anoeta faithful on Friday evening would be a great time to set about improving upon what has been a lacklustre start to the season for both player and club.
