MADRID, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish Liga Santander returns to action at the weekend with both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid facing difficult trips to the Basque region.
The first match kicks off on Friday night, when newly-promoted Huesca play their first home game of the season due to redevelopment work at their El Alcoraz Stadium.
Huesca, who were humiliated 8-2 at Barcelona before the international break, entertain Rayo Vallecano, whose last match was postponed because of the dangerous state of the stands in their Vallecas Stadium.
Atletico Madrid face Eibar in their Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday lunchtime. Atleti have just four points from their first three games of the season; their worst total at this stage of the campaign since Diego Simeone took over as coach in 2012.
After his two excellent performances for Spain during the international break, all eyes will be on Atletico midfielder Saul Niguez.
FC Barcelona are the first visitors to Real Sociedad's new-look Anoeta Stadium on Saturday afternoon, and after the problems they faced on Matchday 2 in Valladolid, they will no doubt be happy to know that the pitch was laid just over a week ago and will be in perfect condition.
Real Sociedad have injury problems in attack with Willian Jose struggling for fitness, Adnan Januzaj out and recent arrival Sandro Ramirez also doubtful with a knee injury.
Former player Imanol Agirretxe, who was forced to hang up his boots due to injury just over a fortnight ago, will receive an ovation from the home fans before the game kicks off.
Valencia will be looking to in-form Spain striker Rodrigo Moreno to fire them to their first win of the season when Betis visit the Mestalla Stadium, before Real Madrid make the perennially difficult trip to San Mames to face Athletic Bilbao.
Madrid have three wins out of three so far, while Athletic have a win and a draw from their two games of the new season. The Basque side may be a little rusty after 19 days without a match after their match against Rayo was postponed.
Madrid have no injury worries, while Athletic have slight doubts over striker Aritz Aduriz and central defender Inigo Martinez, who has not played this season after suffering a muscle injury in pre-season.
Athletic have looked to play a passing game under new coach Eduardo Berizzo, but have been leaving spaces at the back which could suit Madrid's in-form striker pairing of Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.
Both Leganes and Villarreal will be looking for their first win of the campaign on Sunday lunchtime, while Espanyol entertain Levante.
Valladolid have a new owner in former Brazil and Real Madrid striker Ronaldo, and their pitch should now be in good condition after having had three further weeks to take root, with Alaves the visitors to the Nuevo Zorrilla Stadium.
Sevilla take on Getafe as they look to bounce back from their controversial derby defeat to Betis. Roque Mesa is suspended after being harshly sent off in that match a fortnight ago.
The round of matches ends on Monday when Celta Vigo, who are currently third in the table with seven points from three games, travel to play Girona in the Montilivi Stadium, where the home side have yet to score a goal in their two home matches to date.
