体坛英语新闻：Away games for Real Madrid and Barcelona in match day 23

MADRID, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Both Barcelona and Real Madrid face potentially difficult games away from their home grounds in the standout games of Spain's match day 23.

    Barcelona remains 12 points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table, but has a complicated trip to Seville, where Betis is the rival.

    Betis has only 25 points so far this season, but has gained morale following a 2-1 win in the derby against local rivals Sevilla last weekend.

    Barcelona have doubts over the fitness of captain Carles Puyol, but the good news for coach Pep Guardiola is the return of both Rafael Marquez and Gerard Pique after suspension.

    Real Madridalso faces a potentially complicated game. Earlier this season, Madrid put seven goals past Sporting Gijon, but Sporting has improved a great deal since then and is especially difficult in its el Molinon Stadium.

    Gago returns for Real Madrid after suspension and coach Juande Ramos has no injury worries except for reserve full back Michel Salgado.

    Sevilla is still in third place, but nine points behind Real Madrid. Manolo Jimenez's team is without striker Luis Fabiano for its visit to play Espanyol in Montjuic.

    Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino is unbeaten in the Primera Liga since replacing Mane is January, but has still to win a game, with Espanyol second from bottom of the table, he needs a win sooner rather than later.

    Valencia also needs to rediscover its form, but that will not be easy at home to an in-form Malaga, while Villarreal has a difficult away game against Racing Santander.

    Racing was unlucky to lose to Real Madrid last weekend and the arrival of striker Nicola Zigic has given the team extra options in attack.

    There is a Madrid derby in the Vicente Calderon where Atletico Madird entertains Getafe. It will be the home debut for new Atletico coach Abel Resino, who is guaranteed a good reception thanks to the years he spent as a goalkeeper at the club.

    Elsewhere, Fernando Llorente scored his first ever goal for Spainon Wednesday night, but is doubtful for Athletic Club Bilbao's home game against Recreativo Huelva with a pulled muscle. Athletic also has midfielder Fran Yeste suspended.

    Deportivo la Coruna entertains an improving Osasuna while there is a battle of nerves at the bottom of the table between Numancia and Mallorca, two sides in the relegation zone.