MADRID, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Champions League returns next week but before then, Spain's La Liga will hold its 23rd round of matches this weekend: here are a few things to look out for.
1. Coutinho to start paying back his transfer fee
Philippe Coutinho is the most expensive player in FC Barcelona's history, but the Brazilian began to pay back the 160 million euro (1.2 billion CNY) the club paid Liverpool for his services when he scored the opening goal in Barca's cup semi-final triumph over Valencia on Thursday night.
Although Coutinho won't be able to play for Barca in the Champions League having already done so for Liverpool this season, he offers Barca boss Ernesto Valverde a key alternative in league matches, giving him the chance to rest key players like Ivan Rakitic, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi. Barca will face Getafe on Sunday.
2. Real Madrid looking for a morale boost against Real Sociedad
Real Madrid's season has been a question of two steps forward and one step back. This was highlighted by last weekend's disappointing 2-2 draw against Levante which followed comfortable wins against Deportivo la Coruna and Valencia.
Real Sociedad visit the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, just five days before Real Madrid return to the Champions League with a tough game at home to Paris Saint Germain. Real Madrid is out of the domestic cup and falling behind in La Liga. Their season now depends on success in Europe.
With the fourth worst defensive record in Spain, Real Sociedad offer a chance for Madrid to get a confidence boost ahead of their most important game of the season.
3. Valencia derby means a crisis for someone
Sunday's Valencia derby between Valencia and Levante is about more than local pride as both teams go into the game desperately needing a win.
Levante travel across town with just one win in 17 matches and in danger of falling into the relegation zone. Valencia lost their last six games in all competitions, losing three times in the league and falling at the final hurdle in the semi-finals of the cup.
That run of form means they are in danger of dropping out of the top-four position they have occupied all season. A month ago Marcelino Garcia's side were considered dark horses for the title, they now run the risk of missing out on a place in the Champions League.
It is a derby both sides need to win.
4. Will we see the Seedorf effect?
We have to wait until Monday night to see what the answer is to our last question when Clarence Seedorf makes his debut as Deportivo La Coruna manager. Seedorf became Deportivo's third manager of the campaign early in the week and takes over a club third from bottom of the table. There is no doubt that Deportivo has the quality in their squad to avoid relegation, but they have been condemned time after time by defensive lapses and individual errors.
The former Dutch international's two forays into coaching so far (with AC Milan and Shenzhen FC) have been unspectacular, but his arrival has boosted optimism in La Coruna. Will that optimism be translated into points against an entertaining but erratic Betis?
