Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata in action against Eibar earlier this season. Photo: ReutersThe two biggest names in Spanish club football will be anxious to put uncharacteristically stuttering starts to the season behind them on Sunday when they face sides that have set them stern tests in the recent past. Injury-ravaged Real Madrid visit Real Betis, while champions Barcelona welcome back talisman Lionel Messi as they host Deportivo La Coruna. Colombia international James Rodriguez is also a doubt for the trip to Betis, where Zidane dropped his first points as Real coach in a 1-1 draw last January interrupting two big opening wins. Real are second in La Liga, level on 15 points with leaders Atletico, who host bottom side Granada, without a win so far this season.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 13, 2016 19:18 UTC