Sporting Gijon

Real Madrid and Barcelona are once more expected to fight it out for the Liga title and the rivals begin their quest for glory this weekend.

La Liga's three title contenders all enjoyed victories on Wednesday as Barcelona returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion.

Enrique González Quini, who has died aged 68, is the eighth-highest scorer in Spain's top flight thanks to his exploits with Sporting and Barcelona.

Rafael Benítez Rafael Benitez takes charge of Real Madrid in a competitive game for the first time on Sunday as they travel to Sporting Gijon in La Liga.

Javier Mascherano Barcelona do rely on Lionel Messi and hope to do so for many more years, head coach Luis Enrique has said.

Marcelino García Toral Villarreal's lack of effort at Sporting Gijon are to blame for Rayo Vallecano's La Liga relegation, according to the latter's president.

Stefan Šćepović Sporting Gijon forward Stefan Scepovic is a transfer target of Celtic, manager Ronny Delia has confirmed.

Roma forward Antonio Sanabria has agreed a return to Spain after signing a season-long loan with Sporting Gijon.

Top-six incumbents Celta and Athletic Billbao secure 1-0 Liga wins, while Valencia won their first home game since Gary Neville's sacking.

Barcelona continued their incredible form but their lead atop La Liga stayed at eight points on Sunday.