Madrid, Dec 03: England star David Beckham is set to face another week of testing league action for Real Madrid who face city rivals Atletico in midweek ahead of an explosive trip to traditional foes Barcelona on Saturday.
Real are safely through to the second phase of the Champions League however their aim of winning back the Spanish League title could hinge on two potentially explosive encounters in the space of five days.
Beckham - who experienced at close range the ire of Osasuna's fans last weekend - will experience his first Madrid derby when fellow league contenders Atletico visit the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium today.
Days later, the England midfielder will hope the footballing qualities that got him awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) by the Queen last week come to the fore in Catalunya.
Despite their star-studded line-up Real go into their 14th league match of the campaign in second spot, trailing Valencia on goal difference while Atletico sit in fourth - although a win for the poorer of the capital's top flight teams would close the gap to just two points.



For Beckham, who is set to recover in time from an ankle strain which forced him to withdraw near the end of Saturday's 1-1 draw at Osasuna, Wednesday's match will be another test of temperament as he renews his acquaintance with Argentine star Diego Simeone.



Beckham's petulant kick at former Lazio midfielder Simeone earned him a red card at the 1998 World Cup where Argentina won a tense second round match on penalties.


Bureau Report