Saturday for cool heads in La Liga title race

With just three games left until the end of the season the matches played by league leaders, FC Barcelona and their pursuers, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid on Saturday will be decisive in deciding the destiny of the BBVA Primera Liga title on a day when any error could mean the end of a team's chances.

Real and Atletico have a handicap of having played Champions League in midweek and the return leg next week could well affect their team selection as Zinedine Zidane meditates over whether to rest Gareth Bale for the away trip to Real Sociedad which kicks off on Saturday.

It would be risky with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both out through injury and Jese Rodriguez also with physical issues, for a game where anything other than a win would end Madrid's title hopes, However with Isco and James Rodriguez able to step into the side along with Lucas Vazquez, Zidane does have the luxury of a deep squad to select from.

Atletico Madrid are next in action as they entertain struggling neighbors Rayo Vallecano, who last week raced a 2-0 lead against Real before eventually losing 3-2.

Simeone's side has less recovery time that Real Madrid after playing on Wednesday night and their return leg is on Tuesday.

Simeone, who will watch the game from the stands because of suspension could opt to bring players such as Jesus Games, Thomas Teye, Angel Correa and Luciano Vietto into his side, resting Antoine Griezmann, Fernando Torres and Felipe Luis for the trip to Munich.

Barca meanwhile face a difficult trip to face Betis, who have nothing to play for other than pride.

For once Luis Enrique has been able to rest his players in midweek and will field his strongest side, hoping they have recovered some of the freshness that has been missing in recent games despite scoring 14 goals in their last two matches.

That should be a plus for Barca on what is likely to be a dry pitch which will not suit their passing game. The league leaders also kick off last of the three title hopefuls and could start the game in third place should Atletico and Real win their games, so once again Saturday will be a question of keeping calm under pressure.