It's third place vs. fourth place for a spot in the Champions League
There are more than three points in play when Real Madrid and Valencia square off tonight at 10 pm CET at the Santiago Bernabéu. With only one point separating the two teams in the hunt for the League title, a victory will put the winner in the second spot in the table, an automatic berth in next season's Champions League.
The Santiago Bernabéu will rumble tonight as the League's third place host fourth place Valencia. Not only are three points and goal-average (Real Madrid won the first match 1-0 thanks to Raúl) in play, but the top of the table could see some reshifting and a new name in the second spot for an automatic bid for the Champions League. A Madridista victory coupled with a Sevilla defeat would put the Whites just behind Barcelona in runners up position. Four teams separated by six points make it a must-win weekend for everyone aspiring to raise the League cup in June. Real Madrid know that this isn't just another of the eight remaining finals. The players know it, as does coach Fabio Capello, who stated “if all the games we have left are finals, then this one which is against an arch rival is even more important,” in yesterday's press conference.
||Raúl sumo un importante gol que significó la victoria de su equipo en Mestalla.||
Last Saturday's defeat at the hands of Racing Santander was a big blow for a team that hadn't lost in five straight weeks, tallying the last nine points in play and playing much better football. Therefore, the squad has committed to not losing one more point, especially at home. In statements to Realmadrid.com, Madridista captain Raúl considered the Valencia match to be “one of those big games that Madrid won't slip up.”
And for that, the fans will play a key role. The Bernabéu is sold out yet again, and it will stand by its team until victory has been secured, such was the case against Nastic and Osasuna.
David Beckham and Miguel Torres have returned to a Real Madrid squad list. However, Emerson has been dropped to due the flu, as has fellow Brazilian Roberto Carlos, who is still bothered by muscular problems. Raúl Bravo is also out injured, while Helguera and Mejía will serve their one game suspensions for being sent off last weekend.
The Whites are up against a Valencia team that is now only alive in the League after being knocked out of the Champions League. Quique Sánchez Flores' squad is only one point off Real Madrid even though it hasn't been performing well away from Mestalla of late. A victory at the Bernabéu would do wonders for the Levantine side.
The visitors have landed in the Spanish capital with an all-star lineup, being that Villa has recovered from his stomach problems and Albelda is no longer bothered by his knee, which kept him out of the Sevilla match. Those who didn't make the trip include Angulo, who is having muscular issues, Marchena, who is suspended, and injured Baraja, Vicente, Gavilán, Regueiro and Edu. 作者: 08MS 时间: 2007-4-21 23:55