Spanish La Liga 2011, Week 3 Preview And Schedule: Real Madrid, Barcelona Should Notch Easy Wins

The level of dominance that Barcelona have achieved is absolutely astonishing. It's difficult to comprehend, but this week's happenings should give you an idea. After two straight draws - games in which their world class central defenders were out injured - Barcelona are being labeled by some as a team in crisis. Not so dominant after all. A team that has forgotten how to win. So, surely, their utter collapse will continue in Week 3 of the La Liga season against Osasuna.

Of course, that's absolute nonsense. I'm no cule, but let's get real. When Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique are completely healthy, Barcelona will be dominant again. The two goals that they gave up against AC Milan didn't represent any systemic problem or a lack of ability on Barca's part, nor did the two goals they gave up against Real Sociedad. They had two bad games. When Barca has bad games - games so bad that their fans panic and start thinking that they won't win any trophies this year - they don't even lose. They just draw.

Osasuna are actually off to a very good start in La Liga, scoring a draw against Atletico Madrid and a win over Sporting Gijon. They might play the least attractive brand of football in La Liga, but it's often effective. Of course, if they hold Barcelona to a 1-0 win at the Camp Nou, the 'crisis' calls will continue.

Sevilla vs. Real Sociedad

Well, I guess after last week, we have to call this one a big game! Real Sociedad have made a case over their first two matches for being much more than a relegation battler, while Sevilla have looked exciting - but unconvincing - so far. Their defense appears suspect at best, as Giuseppe Rossi was able to give them problems all night long last week despite Villarreal playing nearly the entire match with ten men.

Interestingly, La Real are loosening up their Basque-heavy player policy, bringing in Carlos Vela and McDonald Mariga, among others, to allow them to compete at the highest level. It's working.

Levante vs. Real Madrid

Real Madrid were seriously made to work to get a win last weekend in a local derby against Getafe. Last season, in this exact fixture, they were held to a 0-0 draw. So Levante have a chance at pulling off a major upset here, right?!?

Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Betis

Marcelo Bielsa's Athletic Bilbao came into this season with a lot of hype behind them, but they've failed to realize their potential so far. They were disappointing in both their draw against Rayo Vallecano and their loss to Espanyol, so the pressure will be on at La Catedral this weekend.

Betis are off to a fantastic start with two 1-0 wins over Mallorca and Granada to start the year, and will be making the trip to Bilbao with the mindset that an upset is definitely possible. These aren't necessarily the two sexiest names in Spanish football, but it wouldn't be surprising if this game made for the best viewing of the weekend. Betis are a tough side with a squad that can avoid the drop, but Bielsa's team should get on track at home this week.

Sporting Gijon vs. Valencia - Saturday, 12:00 pm ET

Real Zaragoza vs. Espanyol - Sunday, 10:00 am ET