Real Sociedad o travel to fellow strugglers Cadiz on Wednesday knowing they will secure their Primera Liga survival if they better Alaves' result against Real Betis.

Under Jose Maria Bakero, Real have found an extra gear and moved five points clear of the relegation zone with three games remaining.

On-loan Liverpool winger Mark Gonzalez has been particularly impressive in attack, helping to take the pressure off Nihat Kahveci, who has endured a disappointing few months.

However, Sunday's ill-disciplined defeat by buoyant Sevilla means they are still not safe.

Cadiz, meanwhile are locked in the bottom three, and could suffer an immediate return to the Segunda B if results go against them.

They played well against Barcelona at the weekend but were ultimately undone by the champions, who won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Ronaldinho.

Cadiz can take confidence from spells in which they passed the ball around well and created chances.

Jonathan Sesma had a goal ruled out for offside and also went close with another effort.

While Real will be looking to pick up three points, they will also have one eye on the game at Mendizorroza between Alaves and Betis which is played at the same time.

"A point could be valuable, while they need three points, and so it is going to be a battle," said striker Gari Uranga.

"We have to play a solid and focused match but we are not going to go there looking for a point as when that happens you always end up losing."

Real will be without Aitor Rekarte and Nihat, who were both shown the red card at the weekend, their places likely to go to Igor Gabilondo and Jose Javier Bakero.

Cadiz brought one of the largest away followings to Barcelona at the weekend and defender Eduardo Berizzo claims that despite being four points adrift of safety, their belief has not wavered.

"Although the figures are against us we have to go out and win the matches which remain," he said. "We must give everything because at this stage of the season there are no second chances and no point feeling sorry for ourselves.

"If we can beat Real, then they will become direct rivals with us for relegation. We could put ourselves just three points off them and we also have the better goal-difference.

"We have chances mathematically of surviving and surpassing those above us.

"It is important that at the moment we keep our heads and play like we did against Barcelona where we were at our best.

"We have the threat of relegation but we have to cope with that without getting too anxious. We must turn it into adrenalin and produce good play.

"We are up against a side which also has worries and the crowd can also help us by getting behind the team."

Berizzo experienced relegation with Celta Vigo two seasons ago and he admits he is haunted by the fear of it happening again.

He said: "At the moment it is impossible to think about anything else, I cannot distract myself with anything and I think we all need to follow the path of the fans who are transmitting a positive air.

"We are proud to represent them on the pitch."