MADRID (AFP) - Spanish champions Real Madrid, still shellshocked by their Champions League exit at the hands of Roma in midweek, must restore their morale quickly for Saturday's home match against Espanyol.

Real had high hopes in this season's Champions League but a 2-1 home defeat to the Italians on Wednesday saw them crash out at the last 16 stage and the league is now the sole focus.

"It's been very tough to lose both games against Roma and the squad is pretty silent," said Mali international Mahamadou Diarra.

"We aren't very happy but we must act like men and fight for this league. I want us to be united and to do our best because we are capable of winning the title."

Real stretched their lead over Barcelona to five points last weekend but fifth-placed Espanyol, who have already beaten Real in the league this season, are a difficult opponent.

"The Santiago Bernabeu is a tough place to come and we know what we are up against," said Espanyol coach Ernesto Valverde.

Espanyol will hope they do not feel the backlash of Real's anger at being eliminated from Europe.

Barcelona are now Spain's sole representative in the Champions League, having overcome Celtic over two legs, but it came at a cost with Argentine sensation Lionel Messi out for six weeks after tearing a muscle in his left leg.

"Leo is Leo. He has done incredible things this season and it will be very hard for us to make up for his absence," said French international Thierry Henry.

Barca host Villarreal, who beat them 3-1 earlier in the season, on Sunday aiming to bounce back after a 4-2 loss at Atletico Madrid last weekend.

It was Barcelona's first league defeat since the painful 1-0 reverse against Real on December 23 last year.

"Even though we are five points behind the leaders we can still win the league," said Brazilian midfielder Edmilson.

"I think that there are losses that only make you stronger. It is important that we do not make the same mistakes that caused us to lose in the Vicente Calderon."

Villarreal lie third, seven points behind Barca, and are one of five teams gunning for two Champions League spots.

Atletico, three points behind in fourth, are one of those sides and travel to Real Zaragoza on Saturday.

It is a first match in charge for new Zaragoza coach Manolo Villanova who replaced Javier Irureta this week.

"I know the team is leaking lots of goals and I plan to introduce a system to defend well but also to attack with purpose," said Villanova. "I want an aggressive, solid team that uses the ball well."

Zaragoza's defence will be put to the test by Atletico's in-form Argentine striker Kun Aguero, 21, who scored a wonder goal against Barcelona last weekend.

"Aguero's goal was incredible," enthused team-mate Ignacio Camacho.

"He is still so young and he is going to be one of the best players in the world."

Sevilla, five points off fourth place, are also targeting a Champions League berth and entertain bottom side Levante on Sunday.

Like Real, Sevilla suffered European heartache with Turkish side Fenerbahce defeating them at home on penalties after the two-legged tie had finished 5-5.

"The European exit was a major setback and we are really hurting," admitted coach Manolo Jimenez. "We have to recognise what our weak points are and try to improve."

Conceding too many goals has been Sevilla's problem all season with 35 goals leaked in 26 league matches.

At the other end they are lethal and their Brazilian forward Luis Fabiano is strong favourite for the Pichichi title with 19 goals - five more than his nearest rival Zaragoza's Diego Milito.

Fixtures

Saturday

Real Madrid v Espanyol (1900 GMT), Real Zaragoza v Atletico Madrid (2100 GMT)

Sunday

Sevilla v Levante, Osasuna v Almeria, Athletic Bilbao v Valladolid, Racing Santander v Real Betis, Real Murcia v Getafe, Real Mallorca v Recreativo Huelva (all 1600 GMT), Valencia v Deportivo La Coruna (1800 GMT), Barcelona v Villarreal (2000 GMT)