MADRID, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish Liga Santander goes into its final round of games before the second international break of the season this weekend with both Real Madrid and Barca short of domestic form ahead of a fortnight which always sees the rumor mill working flat out.
Here are some things to look out for this weekend in Spain:
1. Can Real Madrid get back among the goals?
Real Madrid may have hit the woodwork four times during their Champions League defeat to CSKA Moscow on Tuesday, but they failed to hit the back of the net. That means Julen Lopetegui's side has not scored in their last three matches for their worst run without a goal since 2007.
Karim Benzema is struggling for form, while Gareth Bale and Isco are out injured and Lopetegui seems to lack confidence in new arrival Mariano Diaz.
Saturday sees Madrid travel to play Alaves, who can be guaranteed to present a stubborn defense and anything other than a win will leave Lopetegui to face two weeks of rumors about his future in the press.
2. Which Barca will we see in Valencia?
The past fortnight have seen Barcelona become a team with two faces as they drew league games at home to Girona and Athletic Club Bilbao and also lost to bottom of the table Leganes as coach Ernesto Valverde tried to rotate his squad to ensure nobody get over tired.
He then played his strongest available 11 at Wembley and they turned on the style to beat Tottenham 4-2 with Leo Messi (who only played in the second half against Athletic Club) earning the headlines.
Sunday sees Barca travel to Valencia where they can always expect a tough night, so the question is simple: which Barca will see? The side that impressed at Wembley, or the one that lost to Leganes? It may depend on Messi.
3. Contrasting styles as Betis visit the Wanda.
Betis' visit to Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano Stadium promises to be one of the highlights of the weekend as the teams fourth and fifth in the Liga Santander go head to head.
Atletico are experts in keeping things tight in defense and hitting their rivals on the break and set pieces and that style contrasts completely with Betis' love of possession football, which sees them use the full width of the pitch.
It promises to be a fascinating contest of football philosophies as Betis look to keep the ball, while Atletico await their moment. It is one of those games which could well be decided by a moment of magic, or a single mistake.
4. A new Madrid derby in Butarque.
Rayo Vallecano's visit to Leganes' Butarque Stadium will see a new Madrid derby in the Liga Santander and is a vital game for both clubs.
Despite their win over Barcelona, a Leganes side with a host of new players has only 4 points this campaign, while Rayo have just one win and two draws from their season to date.
A win for either of the two teams could kick-start their campaign, but a defeat would mean a difficult fortnight lies ahead.
