Real problems for the Reals

To add injury to insult, with both players getting their marching orders for allegedly abusing the referee on Wednesday, Betis8217;s deadball specialist Asscuncao also suffered a thigh injury and will miss Saturday8217;s match.

The two Reals will be looking enviously at surprise league leaders Osasuna, who play host to Espanyol on Sunday, although the Pamplona-based side still worried about the bottom of the table rather than the top.

8220;If we beat Espanyol then we8217;ll have 21 points and that will give us half the amount that we need to ensure we stay up,8221; said Raul Garcia, one of Osasuna8217;s goalscorers in their 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.

The vanquished Basques now lie at the foot of the Spanish first division and face a crunch match at home to Celta Vigo.

Athletic are one of three teams 8212; Barcelona and Real Madrid being the others 8212; who have been ever-present in the top flight of Spanish football since the League was formed in 1928.

However, that streak could come to an end if their form continues to fail.