This weekend’s round of fixtures is highlighted by El Clásico, the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid.  Not only are they the two most successful teams in the history of Spanish football, they occupy the top two spots in this season’s table.  Real Madrid has a one point lead over Barcelona heading into this pivotal match.  Not to be overshadowed is another top six clash between 4th place Valencia and 6th place Mallorca at the Mestalla on Saturday.

The times listed are Eastern Standard Time (EST) and include the pregame pleasantries, although sometimes the matches on the DIRECTV La Liga specific channels may not go to match coverage until right before kickoff.

Nov. 28

Sporting Gijón vs. Villarreal – 11:55 AM on GOL TV

Valencia vs. Mallorca – 1:55 PM on ESPN Deportes/ESPN 360

Sevilla vs. Málaga – 3:55 PM on GOL TV

Nov. 29

Racing Santander vs. Deportivo La Coruña – 10:45 AM on DIRECTV channel 456

Almería vs. Athletic Bilbao – 10:45 AM on DIRECTV channel 457

Real Zaragoza vs. Osasuna – 10:45 AM on DIRECTV channel 458

Atlético Madrid vs. Espanyol – 2:55 on ESPN2/ESPN 360

El Clásico: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid – On GOL TV, coverage starts at 11:00 AM with a thirty minute program called “El Clásico Goles Historicos,” detailing the most important goals in the history of the Barcelona – Real Madrid rivalry.  At 12:00 PM, there is an hour pre-game show before kickoff at 1:00 PM, followed by the match itself, and then an hour post-game show following the match.

On ESPN Deportes and ESPN 360, coverage begins at 12:00 PM with their own one-hour pregame show before the 1:00 PM kickoff.  After the match on both ESPN Deportes and ESPN 360, there will be a ninety minute post-game show on ESPN Deportes.

Unfortunately, this match will not be show in high definition in the United States.

The Getafe – Xerez and the Real Valladolid – Tenerife matches will not be shown on US TV.

Also in mid-week, Match Day 5 of the Europa League commences with three Spanish teams fighting to make it into the knockout stages.  The most intriguing match involving a La Liga team is Valencia hosting Lille at the Mestalla; Valencia is tied with Genoa for second in the group with six points, one point behind Lille.

UEFA Europa League

Levski Sofia vs. Villarreal – Wednesday, December 2 at 12:45 PM on DIRECTV channel 463 (463-1 for HD)

Valencia vs. Lille – Wednesday, December 2 at 3:00 PM on DIRECTV channel 462 (462-1 for HD) and delayed at 8:00 PM on GOL TV

Austria Wien vs. Athletic Bilbao – Thursday, December 3 at 12:45 PM on DIRECTV channel 462 (462-1 for HD)