Valencia, Spain (My Sportsbook) - Espanyol can shockingly head into the winter break in second place if they can produce a positive result against Valencia Wednesday at the Mestalla.

No one expected much this season from Espanyol, a club that struggled to avoid relegation each of the past three years. But Espanyol has climbed the La Liga table courtesy of some timely scoring and a strong defense.

Maxi and Dani have done most of the damage for Miguel Lotina's side this season, as the duo have accounted for 11 of the club's 18 goals. Dani, however, is now out for six weeks with a broken right leg and will not return until early February. Still, Espanyol is confident it can head into the holidays on a positive note.

"Both teams are very even, although I believe that we more are motivated than (Valencia)," Espanyol defender Oscar Minambres said. "It would be good to win the match 1-0 and head home to begin the celebrations of Christmas."

Valencia, the defending La Liga champion, is in fourth place and coming off a hard-fought draw with league-leaders Barcelona. Claudio Ranieri's team had the lead late in the match but allowed a late penalty by Ronaldinho to spoil its day.

Now, Valencia hopes to gain the full three points before the break. A win would allow them to move past Espanyol in the table and possibly into second place. They know, however, it is not going to be easy to break Espanyol.

"Espanyol is a very dangerous rival. The matches between these teams have always been very difficult, but the ones this season are going to be even more difficult," Ranieri explained. "(Espanyol) is playing with a lot of spirit and they are out to win all it games. They are the surprise of the season, because the two last years they battled to avoid relegation."

Both Espanyol and Valencia are chasing Barcelona, which could extend its lead Tuesday when they host Levante. Barca's advantage could balloon to 12 points with a victory at Camp Nou. Coach Frank Rijkaard still knows there is plenty of time left in the season and his team must not become complacent.

"We need to keep improving," Rijkaard said. "I do not like it if the players appear to be satisfied, because there is still an awful lot to do before the end of the season."

Barcelona's Ronaldinho was named the FIFA Player of the Year Monday in Switzerland, forcing him to miss training. The Brazilian playmaker, however, is expected to be ready for the match, hoping to validate the honor with one last pristine performance in 2004.

Real Betis and Atletico Madrid also hope to end the year on a high note when they meet Tuesday at the Ruiz de Lopera Stadium.

Third-place Real Madrid hosts Sevilla Wednesday at the Bernabeu. Sevilla is in fifth place in the table, just one point behind Real.

David Beckham, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos are expected back in the starting lineup for Mariano Garcia Remon. Beckham and Ronaldo missed the club's 3-2 win over Racing Santander over the weekend due to slight hamstring injuries. Roberto Carlos was kept out of the match due to a lack of top form. The Brazilian is now again upset at the club for not offering him a significant wage increase, and he has publicly asked to be moved during the transfer window.

Real, however, is unlikely to move the World Cup-winning defender. Instead, they hope to claim second place before the break to set up a second-half run at the league title.

MIDWEEK LA LIGA FIXTURES:

TUESDAY:

Barcelona - Levante

Real Betis - Atletico Madrid

WEDNESDAY:

Albacete - Villarreal

Athletic Bilbao - Mallorca

Deportivo La Coruna - Real Zaragoza

Getafe - Racing Santander

Malaga - Real Sociedad

Osasuna - Numancia

Valencia - Espanyol

Real Madrid - Sevilla