MADRID, March 15 (Xinhua) -- There is little doubt about what will be the main story in the Liga Santander this weekend as Zinedine Zidane begins his second spell as Real Madrid coach, but there are other big games as LaLiga prepares for the first international break of 2019. Here are four things to look out for in Spain.
1. The Zidane effect?
Real Madrid's home game against Celta Vigo sees Zinedine Zidane returns to the Madrid dugout on Saturday after being named as the successor to Santiago Solari, less than 10 months after stepping down as coach at the end of May 2018.
The news of Zidane's return has lifted morale at a club which was deep in crisis and that should be reflected in the stands of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
With Celta dropping into the relegation zone last weekend and still without star player, Iago Aspas, this is probably not a game to look for conclusions in terms of the result, but it will be interesting to see Zidane's starting 11, which will give us an indication of who has a future at the club next season ... and who can start packing their bags.
2. Champions League hangover for Atletico?
Tuesday was a painful night for Atletico Madrid as they suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Juventus, which ended their dreams of playing this season's final in their home ground.
It wasn't just the result, but the performance which was so disappointing for Atletico as their overly negative tactics were punished by the Italian side.
Saturday's trip to Athletic Club Bilbao will be a different affair with both teams solid in defense, and Atletico coach Diego Simeone will hope his side will be able to keep their title hopes alive against a rival that is hard to break down, but struggles to create chances.
This is a game which could be settled by a set piece.
3. Revenge for Barca against Betis?
FC Barcelona's only home defeat this season came in a 4-3 thriller at home to Betis and this Sunday the league leaders have to visit the Benito Villamarin Stadium for their second clash of the campaign.
Barca travel after becoming the only Spanish side to make the last eight of the Champions League, but will be without winger Ousmane Dembele with a torn hamstring.
Betis's total commitment to a passing game invites rivals to pressure them high up the field. If the pressure is done well, Betis too often lose the ball in dangerous places, but errors in the pressure give them the chance to find spaces in attack (as they did in the Camp Nou).
If Barca want to avenge their defeat, this time they need to concentrate for 90 minutes.
4 White knuckle ride in Villarreal
Sunday's match between Villarreal and Rayo could determine who goes down at the end of the season. Villarreal's win away to Levante last weekend lifted them out of the bottom three, while their progress into the quarter-finals of the Europa League has also boosted morale at the club.
Rayo travel after six consecutive defeats and another will cost coach, Michel his job.
Villarreal will think if they can win this game and Real Madrid beat Celta then they have taken a big step towards safety. However, a win for Rayo would lift them out of the relegation zone and put Villarreal back to square one.
