Another tough, demanding match is exactly what Barcelona's embattled coach Luis Enrique could do without at the moment, given all his present problems.
However, this is just what he will have on Sunday, when in-form champions Atletico Madrid visit the Camp Nou.
Diego Simeone's warriors will make the trip in high spirits after Wednesday's 2-0 defeat of crosstown rivals Real in the Spanish Cup.
"We are really enjoying ourselves at the moment and playing well," said Atletico midfielder Koke after the defeat of Real.
"We are really looking forward to going to the Camp Nou again. That ground has special memories for us, after what we did there last season."
Atletico battled out a memorable 1-1 draw at the Camp Nou in May, on the last day of the season, to clinch their first league title since 1996.
Since that disappointing draw, nothing has gone right for Barca - either on the field or off it. Anything but a convincing win on Sunday could lead to the Camp Nou exploding against Luis Enrique.
The controversial coach lost most of his remaining credit with the Barca fans on Sunday when he left South American idols Lionel Messi and Neymar on the subs' bench during a 1-0 defeat at lowly Real Sociedad.
Messi reportedly stormed at the coach in the dressing room, then failed to turn up for training on Monday, citing a stomach bug.
Luis Enrique denied on Wednesday that he had an issue with Messi, saying: "I don't have any problems with any player at all. I have the same relationship with them as at the start of the season, there has been no change in that respect.
"The continuity of us coaches always depends on the results. I feel backed up by both the club and the players," he added.
Barca and Atletico are one point behind leaders Real, who have a game in hand.
In addition to the Luis Enrique-Messi storm, Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu added to the turmoil by sacking sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta on Monday, then on Wednesday announcing presidential elections for the summer.
But former club president Joan Gaspart predicted boldly that "Barca will win 5-0 on Sunday and everything will calm down."
Not that things are much calmer at Real Madrid, after defeats against Atletico in the cup, Valencia in the league and AC Milan in a friendly.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti knows that his team need an emphatic win at home to mid-table Espanyol on Saturday in order to avoid the kind of crisis Barca are going through.
Welsh winger Gareth Bale has been accused by fans and media of being selfish and not passing when in front of goal.
Real might again be without defender Pepe, who missed the Atletico game with a pulled muscle. Midfielder Luka Modric is still injured.
Meanwhile, fourth-placed Valencia will visit Celta Vigo and Sevilla, who are fifth, will make the short trip to Almeria.
The weekend's other games are Levante v Deportivo Coruna, Malaga v Villarreal, Eibar v Getafe, Athletic Bilbao v Elche, Granada v Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano v Cordoba.
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