The latest installment of the Clásico will take place on Wednesday evening at the Bernabeu with Barcelona greeting their long standing rivals and current Primera champions with the guard of honor. It was only two seasons ago in this same fixture that the Blaugrana got a standing ovation from the Madrid support after their 3-0 demolition of the home side. While much of Barcelona’s squad from that night is still intact, their roles are much different now as injuries, loss of form and selfishness have now robbed them of what could have been a very successful season.
Madrid’s transformation over this two year period of time has been dramatic as the overall squad got younger and mentally stronger. There were many times in the Galactico era where when push came to shove, the Whites quivered and succumbed to the pressure.
But despite having to deal with two different coaches in as many seasons, Los Blancos have now not wavered in dealing with the adversity that they have faced in the Primera. That is a big reason why they were able to persevere in a league which seems to have become more balanced (or mediocre, if you prefer) than in the past. Despite the club’s long and storied history of domestic success, it needs to be noted that this is their first consecutive Primera title since 1990.
Heart Of A Champion
After Fabio Cannavaro’s second yellow and subsequent sending off early in the second half against Osasuna on Sunday, things did not look promising for Madrid’s expected title-clinching match. Things got even bleaker after Punal’s spot kick put Osasuna ahead in the 82nd minute. While a heavy rain beat down on the pitch, it appeared that even Bernd Schuster was conceding that it just wasn’t in the cards for his side as he subbed a dangerous Wesley Sneijder off in order to bring on the seldom used Julio Baptista.
However, Madrid responded immediately with two quick goals by Robben and Higuain in stunning fashion. What made the comeback even more impressive is that for periods of time, Madrid actually played two men down. Gabriel Heinze’s hand had been stepped on in the aftermath of his handball which gifted Osasuna the lead. While the Madrid trainers struggled to staunch the bleeding, Heinze was unable to join his mates for a few minutes which, as it turns out, were all that Madrid needed in order to turn the tables.
While the win was by no means pretty, it was typical of this Madrid side that has developed an innate ability to grind out results when seemingly not at their best. Despite a brief stumble during February and March, Los Blancos never surrendered top spot while their closest pursuers, Villarreal and Barcelona, could not capitalize on this small window of opportunity.
Rebuilding Or Renovation?
While Barcelona’s 6-0 thrashing of Valencia this past weekend was a welcome sign for a side which had not scored in their last four matches, it should be taken with a grain of salt as they are not the only side to give Los Che a good hiding lately. That said, Barca’s performance was a joy to behold as they had their fluid passing style in full form which allowed them to make short work of Valencia.
While Barcelona desperately try to overtake Villarreal for the second spot and avoid having to play in a Champions League qualifying round this summer, they will have to do it without two key players on Wednesday night. Both Deco and Eto’o picked up yellow cards on Sunday which will force them to miss the upcoming match with Madrid. While only a cynic might say that they both did this to avoid having to deliver the honor guard to their bitter rivals, it’s a fair question to ask given the circumstances.
While Barcelona’s board contemplates wholesale changes to the staff and players which just played in the Champions League semifinal round, they have to consider the mental make-up of their squad. While they showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season, their failure in the Primera comes down to the fact that they simply dropped too many points away from home.
Barcelona’s point total at the Camp Nou (44 pts) was similar to Madrid’s (45) and Villarreal’s (38) totals, but paled in comparison to their road form. Barcelona has only been able to collect a measly (by their standards) 20 points from 17 away matches while their last road victory in the league was on February 16, 2008 versus lowly Zaragoza. In a league where, at times, it seemed that nearly two thirds of the table was in a relegation fight, this simply was not good enough.
Whether this poor form away from the Camp Nou had to do with so many young players in the squad or if it just came down to the fact that they lacked a strong presence on the pitch like Ronaldinho to lessen the pressure on everyone else, this needs to be figured out quickly. The big question is whether Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard will be around to make this decision as it’s pretty clear that Ronaldinho will not be there next season.
FORM GUIDE
Real Madrid
Osasuna - Real Madrid1 - 204/05/2008LA LIGAReal Madrid - Athletic Bilbao3 - 027/04/2008LA LIGARacing - Real Madrid0 - 220/04/2008LA LIGAReal Madrid - Murcia1 - 013/04/2008LA LIGAMallorca - Real Madrid1 - 105/04/2008LA LIGAReal Madrid - Sevilla3 - 130/03/2008LA LIGA
Barcelona
Barcelona - Valencia6 - 004/05/2008LA LIGAMan Utd. - Barcelona1 - 029/04/2008CHAMPIONS LEAGUEDeportivo - Barcelona2 - 026/04/2008LA LIGABarcelona - Man Utd.0 - 023/04/2008CHAMPIONS LEAGUEBarcelona - Espanyol0 - 019/04/2008LA LIGARecreativo - Barcelona2 - 212/04/2008LA LIGA
TEAM NEWS
Real Madrid
Besides the big decision of who will be fit after celebrating their league title, Schuster will have to patch together a backline without the services of Cannavaro and Heinze. Metzelder remains unavailable as he recovers his fitness after foot surgery.
Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Casillas – Marcelo, Pepe, Ramos, Torres – Guti, Gago, Sneijder - Robben, van Nistlerooy, Raúl.
Barcelona
Besides the suspension of Eto’o and Deco, Rijkaard will be without the services of Gabriel Milito, Ronaldinho, Touré, Iniesta, and Oleguer Presas, all due to injury.
Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Valdés- Abidal, Thuram, Puyol, Zambrotta – Gudjohnsen, Márquez, Xavi, - Bojan, Henry, Messi.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Real Madrid
Ruud van Nistlerooy – While the striker did not make his return on Sunday, he is expected to play on Wednesday. The Dutchman will be eager to regain his form in time for the Euros.
Barcelona
Thierry Henry – His brace on Sunday was very impressive. Whether he wants to stay in Barcelona or not, the Frenchman needs to finish the season strong in order to regain his reputation as one of the best strikers in the world. If Tottenham do decide to finally pull the trigger and sell Dimitar Berbatov for an inflated number, it would not be a shock to see Henry return to North London to play for Spurs.
PREDICTION
With so many key players missing from both sides and not knowing the effect that the celebrations had on Los Merengues, this is a hard one to call. However, one thing is certain, this will not be a scoreless draw as there have only been two in this series over the last twenty seasons.
Look for both sides to pour forward and attack in what is always an entertaining fixture. Unfortunately, I expect a draw which will likely not please either set of supporters.
Capdevila: Madrid Deserve It
Guti To Miss Trip To Osasuna
Van Nistelrooy Back In Team Training
Salgado: We Want The Title As Soon As Possible
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Atlético Set For Racism Fine
Recreativo striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle was subjected to monkey taunts during the second half against Atlético on Sunday and referee Perez Laza included the incident in his match report, which was sent to the Competition Committee after the game.
"In the 62nd minute, a section of the public who were behind the goal defended by Atlético Madrid, carrying scarfs and flags of the club, shouted out noises imitating those of a monkey at the moment that a player of colour from Recreativo de Huelva entered this zone," his report read.
"Immediately afterwards, after I had told the field delegate of the issue, a public address was made telling the supporters to cease such noises. The act was not repeated in the remaining minutes."
The Competition Committee will meet later on Tuesday to decide the punishment that they wish to hand out to the club as a result of the supporters' actions, while the Antiviolence Committee will meet on Wednesday to decide what action they wish to take.
The two organisations are totally separate and it is possible that Atlético could have two hefty fines coming their way. The Antiviolence Committee are thought to be especially keen to see them punished properly after a number of small infractions unrelated to racism that their supporters have been guilty of throughout the season.
Aguirre Spurns Mexico’s Advances To Stay At Atlético
Betis Stadium Ban Reduced To One Game
Aguirre Well Supported For Run-In
"In the 62nd minute, a section of the public who were behind the goal defended by Atlético Madrid, carrying scarfs and flags of the club, shouted out noises imitating those of a monkey at the moment that a player of colour from Recreativo de Huelva entered this zone," his report read.
"Immediately afterwards, after I had told the field delegate of the issue, a public address was made telling the supporters to cease such noises. The act was not repeated in the remaining minutes."
The Competition Committee will meet later on Tuesday to decide the punishment that they wish to hand out to the club as a result of the supporters' actions, while the Antiviolence Committee will meet on Wednesday to decide what action they wish to take.
The two organisations are totally separate and it is possible that Atlético could have two hefty fines coming their way. The Antiviolence Committee are thought to be especially keen to see them punished properly after a number of small infractions unrelated to racism that their supporters have been guilty of throughout the season.
Aguirre Spurns Mexico’s Advances To Stay At Atlético
Betis Stadium Ban Reduced To One Game
Aguirre Well Supported For Run-In
Pellegrini: We Must Maintain The Gap
An automatic slot in the group stage of next season's Champions League is up for grabs if Villarreal can hold onto second place in the remaining games and Pellegrini is aware that the position is not yet secured.
"We are three games from the end and our objective is close, but it is not yet achieved and it is therefore important to maintain our advantage, especially over a club like Barcelona. Both teams have two very difficult matches left and the one that plays better and is able to take the better results can achieve second place," he told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday.
Villarreal's first barrier to a top two finish comes in the shape of relegation-threatened Recreativo. Although Pellegrini is confident they can take the three points he is nevertheless cautious to write off their opponents.
"It is true that in the Copa we lost there but won at home and, in addition, they were able to draw with us in the league, which was a result that hurt us a lot. Let us hope that we have improved since then and that this time we are ready to take the three points from Huelva," he affirmed.
Pellegrini is seeking a repeat of his side's excellent second half performance against Getafe at the weekend, but knows that Wednesday will be a different match due to Recreativo being embroiled in a battle to beat the drop.
"When you play in a match where you have so much at stake, it is normal to play nervously, but they will give the maximum effort that they have, which will make things difficult for us," he explained.
"We will see what type of Recreativo performance we get, although the important thing is for us to continue our form and style of play."
Pellegrini: Now We Must Defend Second
Reis pushed to maintain top form
Hildebrand: Barça One Of The World’s Best
Clemente Unhappy With Draw
"We are three games from the end and our objective is close, but it is not yet achieved and it is therefore important to maintain our advantage, especially over a club like Barcelona. Both teams have two very difficult matches left and the one that plays better and is able to take the better results can achieve second place," he told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday.
Villarreal's first barrier to a top two finish comes in the shape of relegation-threatened Recreativo. Although Pellegrini is confident they can take the three points he is nevertheless cautious to write off their opponents.
"It is true that in the Copa we lost there but won at home and, in addition, they were able to draw with us in the league, which was a result that hurt us a lot. Let us hope that we have improved since then and that this time we are ready to take the three points from Huelva," he affirmed.
Pellegrini is seeking a repeat of his side's excellent second half performance against Getafe at the weekend, but knows that Wednesday will be a different match due to Recreativo being embroiled in a battle to beat the drop.
"When you play in a match where you have so much at stake, it is normal to play nervously, but they will give the maximum effort that they have, which will make things difficult for us," he explained.
"We will see what type of Recreativo performance we get, although the important thing is for us to continue our form and style of play."
Pellegrini: Now We Must Defend Second
Reis pushed to maintain top form
Hildebrand: Barça One Of The World’s Best
Clemente Unhappy With Draw
Monday, May 5, 2008
Capdevila: Madrid Deserve It
Madrid put any chance of a late comeback from Villarreal to bed, as they fought back from a goal down to defeat Osasuna 2-1 on Sunday, clinching their 31st league title in the process. Capdevila believes that they were worthy winners.
"I was surprised to see Madrid take the win in Pamplona, especially considering what was at stake for Osasuna. But Madrid have demonstrated that they are the strongest team and that they are the deserving winners of the league title," he told Marca.
"They have had a great season and a particularly spectacular first half. They such a large points margin because they deserve it and there is nothing else we can do but congratulate them for that."
Despite the fact that Madrid have stormed clear to take the title, Capdevila believes that the performance of Villarreal should not be discounted.
"There is little you can do when faced with a points total like theirs, but it is certain that to finish in second place would be a great result for us," he affirmed.
Villarreal hold a four point advantage over Barcelona going into the final three games of the season and although Capdevila indicated that he would have liked to seeBarça reach the Champions League final as a distraction, he is confident that his team can hold onto the place until the end of the campaign.
Salgado: We Want The Title As Soon As Possible
Guille Franco Eager To Make Comeback
"I was surprised to see Madrid take the win in Pamplona, especially considering what was at stake for Osasuna. But Madrid have demonstrated that they are the strongest team and that they are the deserving winners of the league title," he told Marca.
"They have had a great season and a particularly spectacular first half. They such a large points margin because they deserve it and there is nothing else we can do but congratulate them for that."
Despite the fact that Madrid have stormed clear to take the title, Capdevila believes that the performance of Villarreal should not be discounted.
"There is little you can do when faced with a points total like theirs, but it is certain that to finish in second place would be a great result for us," he affirmed.
Villarreal hold a four point advantage over Barcelona going into the final three games of the season and although Capdevila indicated that he would have liked to seeBarça reach the Champions League final as a distraction, he is confident that his team can hold onto the place until the end of the campaign.
Salgado: We Want The Title As Soon As Possible
Guille Franco Eager To Make Comeback
Güiza: Hard Work Is The Way To Goal
The Jerez-born hitman managed his 23rd and 24th goals of the season against Athletic at the weekend, thus leapfrogging Luis Fabiano at the top of the goalscoring standings.
"He remarked today, "With hard work, the ball is always going to go in.
"I'm very happy [being at the top of the Pichichi], because when you wake up and see that your teammates are alongside you, that's the best thing.
"Was I thinking of the award when I scored? No, the only thing on my mind was victory to help us towards a UEFA Cup spot."
Fabiano is just one goal behind, having led Güiza for much of the season.
"Yes, Luis is in a bad streak because the ball isn't coming to him, but I too went five games without scoring and he remarked on it. Be calm, because the ball will always work with you," he said by way of encouragement.
"Do I have a target for my goal tally? I just go game by game and think of helping my colleagues."
Lotina: Football Is 80% Work, 20% Talent
Marmol set to work out with Fire
D.C. United unable to find spark against Rapids
Terry & Essien Delighted After ‘Rollicking’
Rijkaard Assistant: Frank Will Leave Barcelona Soon
"He remarked today, "With hard work, the ball is always going to go in.
"I'm very happy [being at the top of the Pichichi], because when you wake up and see that your teammates are alongside you, that's the best thing.
"Was I thinking of the award when I scored? No, the only thing on my mind was victory to help us towards a UEFA Cup spot."
Fabiano is just one goal behind, having led Güiza for much of the season.
"Yes, Luis is in a bad streak because the ball isn't coming to him, but I too went five games without scoring and he remarked on it. Be calm, because the ball will always work with you," he said by way of encouragement.
"Do I have a target for my goal tally? I just go game by game and think of helping my colleagues."
Lotina: Football Is 80% Work, 20% Talent
Marmol set to work out with Fire
D.C. United unable to find spark against Rapids
Terry & Essien Delighted After ‘Rollicking’
Rijkaard Assistant: Frank Will Leave Barcelona Soon
Madrid Celebrate Title Into The Early Hours
As the full time whistle blow at the Reyno de Navarro in Pamplona, thousands of Madrid fans descended onto the streets of the capital to celebrate their team's 31st La Liga triumph.
Supporters adorned with scarves, caps, shirts and flags carrying the famous white of Madrid congregated around the Plaza de Cibeles, embracing one another and chanting the names of the players as they waited for their heroes to make the trip back from the North of Spain.
When the team coach did finally appear - accompanied by a spectacular light show - the supporters erupted in an explosion of joy as team captain Raúl crowned the statue of the goddess of Cibeles to mark the league title victory.
The rest of the team could be seen celebrating with the fans, with Gonzalo Higuain and Fernando Gago wrapped in an Argentine flag and similarly Marcelo, Pepe and Robinho in the colours of Brazil. Sergio Ramos displayed a t-shirt dedicated to his former Sevilla colleague Antonio Puerta, who passed away in August of last year, while the other players merged into the crowd.
The celebrations continued in the early hours, but eventually dispersed as the sun began to rise to mark a new day.
Heinze And Gago Prepare To Celebrate
Madrid Outrun Racing To Go Ten Clear
All-square in Frankfurt
Supporters adorned with scarves, caps, shirts and flags carrying the famous white of Madrid congregated around the Plaza de Cibeles, embracing one another and chanting the names of the players as they waited for their heroes to make the trip back from the North of Spain.
When the team coach did finally appear - accompanied by a spectacular light show - the supporters erupted in an explosion of joy as team captain Raúl crowned the statue of the goddess of Cibeles to mark the league title victory.
The rest of the team could be seen celebrating with the fans, with Gonzalo Higuain and Fernando Gago wrapped in an Argentine flag and similarly Marcelo, Pepe and Robinho in the colours of Brazil. Sergio Ramos displayed a t-shirt dedicated to his former Sevilla colleague Antonio Puerta, who passed away in August of last year, while the other players merged into the crowd.
The celebrations continued in the early hours, but eventually dispersed as the sun began to rise to mark a new day.
Heinze And Gago Prepare To Celebrate
Madrid Outrun Racing To Go Ten Clear
All-square in Frankfurt
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Marcelino: Let's Fight For The Champions League
The Santander side fought back from 2-0 down to seal three vital points against the already-relegated Pimentoneros, much to Marcelino's delight.
However, the ex-Recreativo boss admitted that it was far from easy.
"After the second goal we conceded, the team was quite disorganised and disbanded."
However, he added that the turning point came first when the hosts lessened the gap just before the break and then built on their good work afterwards.
"It was key when we grabbed that second goal just before the second half," he said.
"That gave us a special kind of pressure, and our counters were dangerous."
European Dreams
Racing thus remain in touch with Atlético in the race for the fourth and final Champions League spot, but Marcelino isn't even taking a UEFA Cup spot for granted.
"It was a huge step towards the UEFA Cup, but not at all definitive," he said.
"Now we need to fight for the Champions League against Sevilla on Wednesday."
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However, the ex-Recreativo boss admitted that it was far from easy.
"After the second goal we conceded, the team was quite disorganised and disbanded."
However, he added that the turning point came first when the hosts lessened the gap just before the break and then built on their good work afterwards.
"It was key when we grabbed that second goal just before the second half," he said.
"That gave us a special kind of pressure, and our counters were dangerous."
European Dreams
Racing thus remain in touch with Atlético in the race for the fourth and final Champions League spot, but Marcelino isn't even taking a UEFA Cup spot for granted.
"It was a huge step towards the UEFA Cup, but not at all definitive," he said.
"Now we need to fight for the Champions League against Sevilla on Wednesday."
Top game
Agent - Ronaldinho snubbed Blues
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