La Liga´s third place club Real Madrid spreads will host rival Atletico Madrid in the cross-town derby on Saturday, without Florentino Perez and Ronaldo.

Real Madrid enters this weekend´s match after the surprising resignation of former club president Florentino Perez. Perez announced his resignation Monday a day after the club´s 2-1 loss to Mallorca.

Former vice president Fernando Martin accepted Perez´s position and addressed Real Madrid players and fans on Thursday about the current situation of the club.

"This season has yet to end. I hope and wish, as any Real Madrid fan, that we get back on track, progress in the Champions League, and obtain a position in the League that keeps us in Europe."

Martin stressed the importance of a player´s dedication and attitude towards the team.

"Whoever wants to remain with Real Madrid while putting forth minimal effort is very mistaken. He who knows to push himself and fight knows that we will always stand by his side as has always been the case throughout the history of the Club."

During training this week, Real Madrid boss Juan Ramon Lopez Caro placed special emphasis on tactics while preparing for Saturday´s derby. One of those tactics is leaving Brazilian icon, Ronaldo, off the roster.

The 29-year-old striker is expected to return to the squad next Wednesday when Real Madrid faces Arsenal in its Champions League second-leg knockout round.

In the first leg of the tournament, the Premiership club defeated the Spanish side in a 1-0 shutout.

Real Madrid ruined its chance to regain La Liga´s second place spot last weekend when it fell to 16th place Mallorca, 2-1.

Saturday´s derby with Atletico Madrid will be a "Real" test. The ninth place club has not defeated Real since returning to the top flight in 2002. However, Atletico enters the match with six straight victories after devastating last-place Malaga, 5-0 last Saturday.

Atletico Madrid hopes to continue its winning streak and reap the benefits of Real´s current situation.

In other La Liga action this weekend: On Saturday, La Liga champion Barcelona hosts Deportivo; Villarreal looks for a boost of confidence before facing Rangers in the second leg of the Champions League next Tuesday when it faces Alaves; Cadiz welcomes Espanyol.

On Sunday, Sevilla looks for its 13th win when it faces Athletic; 4th place Osasuna battles fifth place Celta; Real Sociedad hosts Real Zaragoza; Getafe looks to place in the top ten when it takes on Real Betis; Last place Malaga tackles second place Valencia; Racing meets Mallorca to conclude league play.