Brazilian superstar Robinho may have opened his Manchester City account with a goal just 13 minutes into his debut for the citizens, but his side still lost out 3-1 to Chelsea - the team that he earlier wished to join.
Goal.com readers took the whole weekend to vote on whether or not Robinho made the correct choice in heading to Eastlands after his Chelsea move failed to materialise, with a significant majority saying that he did not.
First of all, just 29% felt that he made the right move. As Shazz from Singapore said in the comments arena:
Monday, September 15, 2008
La Liga Team Of The Week: Round 2
Barcelona again came unstuck, this time drawing at home to Racing Santander despite a second half onslaught. Unlike their great rivals, Real Madrid did manage to record a victory in the first home game of the season having lost on the road in Round 1. It came in a crazy 4-3 goalfest at home to Barca’s opening weekend conquerors, Numancia.
In other notable contests, Sevilla came back from a shock two goal deficit at home to Sporting Gijon in another seven goal thriller, Atletico were undone 2-1 in Valladolid despite a man advantage for the majority of the match, and Valencia had to battle hard for point away to an impressive looking Almeria.
Getafe and Malaga ended in stalemate at home to Betis and Bilbao respectively, Liga hopefuls Villarreal picked up their first victory at El Madrigal against Deportivo, while Mallorca drew with Osasuna at 'Son Moix'. Finally, Luis Garcia got his own and Espanyol’s second goal in as many games, sending Los Periquitos top of the Liga pile and without a goal conceded.
Best XI
Formation: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper
Toño (Racing)
A superman performance from the Racing ‘keeper, halting Barca’s wolves at the door and securing what, in the final third of the match, looked to be an unlikely point. His efforts made it a very uncomfortable night for Pep Guardiola- the boos and whistles no doubt still ringing in his years.
Defenders
Bruno (Almeria)
Captain fantastic for little Almeria, blazing up and down the right side and constantly gave Valencia something to think about, setting up the hosts second goal.. He might look like Moby, but plays with all the heart of soul of a lion.
Ezequiel Garay (Racing)
All the talk was of the Argentine proving a point to Barca after a move to Camp Nou never materialized before Real snapped him up. He did just that, and was everywhere in defence, but also showed his typical poise, calm and class when all round him were deserted by theirs.
Baraja (Valladolid)
Helped keep out Atletico to hold on to victory after defensive team mate Pedro saw red, maintaining the lead he himself secured from the penalty spot in the first half.
Mané (Almeria)
The second of two excellent full back performances from Almeria, Mane showed boundless energy, great confidence and some good touches.
Midfield
Santi Cazorla (Villarreal)
A great strike from the Spanish international winger, showing Real what they're missing and Villarreal what they’ve held on to after Cazorla decided to stay at El Madrigal in the summer.
Rafael Van der Vaart (Real Madrid)
The type of performance, and goal, all top players would want in their first Liga outing in front of the demanding Bernabeu crowd.
Enzo Maresca (Sevilla)
Outstanding performance from the Italian dynamo. He orchestrated Sevilla’s attacking play effortlessly, proving a constant threat with his goal power, movement and endless supply chain to the forwards.
Pablo Piatti (Almeria)
Somewhat shoehorned in on the left of midfield here, but his guy could be a star this season. Almeria call him ‘our Messi on the left’, and for a time the youngster almost deserved the comparison. Scored an opportunistic goal, and is the type of player opponents Valencia would love in Silva’s absence.
Strikers
Kanouté (Sevilla)
Bagged two in an open game, but Sevilla were in desperate need of his goals (especially given the absence of a jaded Fabiano) after Sporting’s remarkable first half haul. Showed some great touches too, re-affirming just how important he will again be to Los Blanquirrojo’s season.
Mate Bilić (Sporting Gijon)
Had some luck with his first half hat-trick, but come on, a first half hat-trick! Pretty much the most unexpected individual performance of the weekend. A timely one too, as Bilic he was left on the bench for the opening home defeat to Getafe. A perfect repost to the coach, making him a surefire starter from now on .
Toño
Bruno - Garay - Baraja - Mané
Cazorla - van der Vaart - Maresca - Piatti
Kanouté - Bilić
Adriano: Sevilla Still A Force
Spanish Debate: Who Will Be The Pichichi?
LA earns positive result despite absences
In other notable contests, Sevilla came back from a shock two goal deficit at home to Sporting Gijon in another seven goal thriller, Atletico were undone 2-1 in Valladolid despite a man advantage for the majority of the match, and Valencia had to battle hard for point away to an impressive looking Almeria.
Getafe and Malaga ended in stalemate at home to Betis and Bilbao respectively, Liga hopefuls Villarreal picked up their first victory at El Madrigal against Deportivo, while Mallorca drew with Osasuna at 'Son Moix'. Finally, Luis Garcia got his own and Espanyol’s second goal in as many games, sending Los Periquitos top of the Liga pile and without a goal conceded.
Best XI
Formation: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper
Toño (Racing)
A superman performance from the Racing ‘keeper, halting Barca’s wolves at the door and securing what, in the final third of the match, looked to be an unlikely point. His efforts made it a very uncomfortable night for Pep Guardiola- the boos and whistles no doubt still ringing in his years.
Defenders
Bruno (Almeria)
Captain fantastic for little Almeria, blazing up and down the right side and constantly gave Valencia something to think about, setting up the hosts second goal.. He might look like Moby, but plays with all the heart of soul of a lion.
Ezequiel Garay (Racing)
All the talk was of the Argentine proving a point to Barca after a move to Camp Nou never materialized before Real snapped him up. He did just that, and was everywhere in defence, but also showed his typical poise, calm and class when all round him were deserted by theirs.
Baraja (Valladolid)
Helped keep out Atletico to hold on to victory after defensive team mate Pedro saw red, maintaining the lead he himself secured from the penalty spot in the first half.
Mané (Almeria)
The second of two excellent full back performances from Almeria, Mane showed boundless energy, great confidence and some good touches.
Midfield
Santi Cazorla (Villarreal)
A great strike from the Spanish international winger, showing Real what they're missing and Villarreal what they’ve held on to after Cazorla decided to stay at El Madrigal in the summer.
Rafael Van der Vaart (Real Madrid)
The type of performance, and goal, all top players would want in their first Liga outing in front of the demanding Bernabeu crowd.
Enzo Maresca (Sevilla)
Outstanding performance from the Italian dynamo. He orchestrated Sevilla’s attacking play effortlessly, proving a constant threat with his goal power, movement and endless supply chain to the forwards.
Pablo Piatti (Almeria)
Somewhat shoehorned in on the left of midfield here, but his guy could be a star this season. Almeria call him ‘our Messi on the left’, and for a time the youngster almost deserved the comparison. Scored an opportunistic goal, and is the type of player opponents Valencia would love in Silva’s absence.
Strikers
Kanouté (Sevilla)
Bagged two in an open game, but Sevilla were in desperate need of his goals (especially given the absence of a jaded Fabiano) after Sporting’s remarkable first half haul. Showed some great touches too, re-affirming just how important he will again be to Los Blanquirrojo’s season.
Mate Bilić (Sporting Gijon)
Had some luck with his first half hat-trick, but come on, a first half hat-trick! Pretty much the most unexpected individual performance of the weekend. A timely one too, as Bilic he was left on the bench for the opening home defeat to Getafe. A perfect repost to the coach, making him a surefire starter from now on .
Toño
Bruno - Garay - Baraja - Mané
Cazorla - van der Vaart - Maresca - Piatti
Kanouté - Bilić
Adriano: Sevilla Still A Force
Spanish Debate: Who Will Be The Pichichi?
LA earns positive result despite absences
Advocaat: We Can Beat Juve & Madrid
Zenit were drawn alongside the Italian and Spanish giants in Group H, in what is unsurprisingly being billed as the ‘Group of Death’.
Although Madrid and Juventus will be favourites to go through, Zenit certainly have a fantastic chance too, given the fact they are UEFA Cup holders, and recently beat Manchester United to win the European Supercup.
"I think what we showed last season, coming so far and even winning the UEFA Cup, was an incredible achievement but I think we still must be considered as an outsider for the tournament," Advocaat told uefa.com.
"Even in our group, Real Madrid and Juventus will be seen as the teams to beat while we and BATE will be viewed by everyone as fighting for third or fourth place.
"Our group is tough but, in principle, this is the Champions League and if you want to do well you have to expect to face and beat teams like Manchester United and Juventus.”
On Wednesday, Zenit kick off their Champions League campaign with a trip to Turin to play an in-form Juventus side, but Advocaat is not unduly worried.
"So for me it's not a problem, it's a challenge. Regarding Juventus, we've needed to update our information because they've not been in Europe for a couple of seasons,” he explained.
"The newer players are the ones our scouts have been analysing because Pavel Nedvěd, Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet are well known to us. If they have their day, which we mustn't allow, then Juventus can beat anyone. But I have faith that Zenit can damage some teams."
Philly fans get MLS soccer fix in D.C.
Zé Castro: I Won’t Give Up To Colotto
Mijatovic Defends Robinho Sale
Although Madrid and Juventus will be favourites to go through, Zenit certainly have a fantastic chance too, given the fact they are UEFA Cup holders, and recently beat Manchester United to win the European Supercup.
"I think what we showed last season, coming so far and even winning the UEFA Cup, was an incredible achievement but I think we still must be considered as an outsider for the tournament," Advocaat told uefa.com.
"Even in our group, Real Madrid and Juventus will be seen as the teams to beat while we and BATE will be viewed by everyone as fighting for third or fourth place.
"Our group is tough but, in principle, this is the Champions League and if you want to do well you have to expect to face and beat teams like Manchester United and Juventus.”
On Wednesday, Zenit kick off their Champions League campaign with a trip to Turin to play an in-form Juventus side, but Advocaat is not unduly worried.
"So for me it's not a problem, it's a challenge. Regarding Juventus, we've needed to update our information because they've not been in Europe for a couple of seasons,” he explained.
"The newer players are the ones our scouts have been analysing because Pavel Nedvěd, Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet are well known to us. If they have their day, which we mustn't allow, then Juventus can beat anyone. But I have faith that Zenit can damage some teams."
Philly fans get MLS soccer fix in D.C.
Zé Castro: I Won’t Give Up To Colotto
Mijatovic Defends Robinho Sale
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Sevilla Narrow Victors After First Half Goalfest
On any ordinary evening, Manuel Preciado's minnows would have been disappointed with defeat after scoring three goals away from home,. However, for the most part they were never actually in it, and Sevilla made hard work of proceedings while also suffering some bad luck.
Mate Bilic scored what appeared to be a hat-trick for Sporting in the first half (though one of those goals could be considered an own goal). Kanoute bagged a brace fore the hosts, but the star of the show was Sevilla playmaker Enzo Maresca who delivered a masterclass performance. The French forward sealed it in the end after Sporting goalkeeper Sergio spilled a superb strike from Ndri Romaric, straight into the former Spurs strikers path, but it was the end of a long fightback by the hosts.
Manolo Jimenez' side were desperate for victory after losing out on three points courtesy of a late Racing equaliser on Matchday 1. The coach sprung a few surprises, first leaving Navarro on the bench in favour of Dragutinovic at left back, and deploying Fazio in a holding role with new midfield editions Romaric and Duscher watching from the sidelines. The usual striking spot of a jaded Fabiano was taken up by Chevanton.
The hosts dominated the opening exchanges, with Sporting 'keeper forced into an excellent double save from close range with centre-back Prieto and Fazio going close. Maresca was pulling the playmaking strings with instant effect, and immediately it looked like being a long night for the visitors.
But the rug was set to be pulled from beneath the watching fans when Bilic diverted a shot from Diego Castro, after the attacking midfielder cut inside Konko all too easily and unleashed an effort on goal. Palop had no chance, and Sevilla were soon chasing the game.
The Sevilla defence was exposed again when Prieto was sucked away from his marker after left back Canella burst down the flank. The cross reached Bilic, who fired into the ground, and yet another deflection, this time off Dragutinovic, gave the visitors a two goal lead after just twenty minutes.
It was a bizarre turn of events given the flow of the game, but this was only the beginning. A quality Navas cross sailed along the six yard box, seemingly covered by the Sporting defence, only for debutant Jurgen Colin, blind to Chevanton's presence behind him, to allow the ball to reach the Uruguayan with the goal gaping. And minutes later, Sevilla were level. When the hosts were awarded a throw in, absent-minded Sporting right-back Sastre threw the ball to Capel who quickly found a free Maresca on the left wing. The Italian easily found Kanoute who bundled the ball home.
It was a dramatic and somewhat comedic comeback, with Sporting exposed in naive fashion.Within four minutes of Sevilla's first, they had their third, with Maresca turning his hand to goalscoring. The playmaker fired a superb effort from just outside the box, off the post and spinning into the net, and not without some more amateurish defending from Colin, who turned his back on the former Juventus man.
Just as Sevilla thought they had regained control of the game, a fantastic bit of play from Maldonado down the right side saw new signing Carmelo clipped in the box after receiving the ball. Bilic duly converted the spot kick, and we were all square again as the half time whistle blew.
Inevitably, the second half was a more timid affair than the twilight zone escapades of the first period. Romaric took to the field, replacing the rickety Prieto which saw Fazio drop back into defence, while Navarro came on for Drago at left back.
Maresca immediately tested the 'keeper with a wicked free kick, while Kanoute went mighty close with a header before finally netting what proved to be the winner.The Frenchman could have made it five, and it may have been crucial had Sporting converted one of two opportunities to tie things up again in the last five minutes.
So a win for Sevilla, but not in the manner Jimenez was expecting. Sporting's defending was calamitous for the most part, and the score did not reflect the game by any means, but Sevilla know they will need to be sharper throughout and tighter at the back if they to go for the big prizes this season.
Mate Bilic scored what appeared to be a hat-trick for Sporting in the first half (though one of those goals could be considered an own goal). Kanoute bagged a brace fore the hosts, but the star of the show was Sevilla playmaker Enzo Maresca who delivered a masterclass performance. The French forward sealed it in the end after Sporting goalkeeper Sergio spilled a superb strike from Ndri Romaric, straight into the former Spurs strikers path, but it was the end of a long fightback by the hosts.
Manolo Jimenez' side were desperate for victory after losing out on three points courtesy of a late Racing equaliser on Matchday 1. The coach sprung a few surprises, first leaving Navarro on the bench in favour of Dragutinovic at left back, and deploying Fazio in a holding role with new midfield editions Romaric and Duscher watching from the sidelines. The usual striking spot of a jaded Fabiano was taken up by Chevanton.
The hosts dominated the opening exchanges, with Sporting 'keeper forced into an excellent double save from close range with centre-back Prieto and Fazio going close. Maresca was pulling the playmaking strings with instant effect, and immediately it looked like being a long night for the visitors.
But the rug was set to be pulled from beneath the watching fans when Bilic diverted a shot from Diego Castro, after the attacking midfielder cut inside Konko all too easily and unleashed an effort on goal. Palop had no chance, and Sevilla were soon chasing the game.
The Sevilla defence was exposed again when Prieto was sucked away from his marker after left back Canella burst down the flank. The cross reached Bilic, who fired into the ground, and yet another deflection, this time off Dragutinovic, gave the visitors a two goal lead after just twenty minutes.
It was a bizarre turn of events given the flow of the game, but this was only the beginning. A quality Navas cross sailed along the six yard box, seemingly covered by the Sporting defence, only for debutant Jurgen Colin, blind to Chevanton's presence behind him, to allow the ball to reach the Uruguayan with the goal gaping. And minutes later, Sevilla were level. When the hosts were awarded a throw in, absent-minded Sporting right-back Sastre threw the ball to Capel who quickly found a free Maresca on the left wing. The Italian easily found Kanoute who bundled the ball home.
It was a dramatic and somewhat comedic comeback, with Sporting exposed in naive fashion.Within four minutes of Sevilla's first, they had their third, with Maresca turning his hand to goalscoring. The playmaker fired a superb effort from just outside the box, off the post and spinning into the net, and not without some more amateurish defending from Colin, who turned his back on the former Juventus man.
Just as Sevilla thought they had regained control of the game, a fantastic bit of play from Maldonado down the right side saw new signing Carmelo clipped in the box after receiving the ball. Bilic duly converted the spot kick, and we were all square again as the half time whistle blew.
Inevitably, the second half was a more timid affair than the twilight zone escapades of the first period. Romaric took to the field, replacing the rickety Prieto which saw Fazio drop back into defence, while Navarro came on for Drago at left back.
Maresca immediately tested the 'keeper with a wicked free kick, while Kanoute went mighty close with a header before finally netting what proved to be the winner.The Frenchman could have made it five, and it may have been crucial had Sporting converted one of two opportunities to tie things up again in the last five minutes.
So a win for Sevilla, but not in the manner Jimenez was expecting. Sporting's defending was calamitous for the most part, and the score did not reflect the game by any means, but Sevilla know they will need to be sharper throughout and tighter at the back if they to go for the big prizes this season.
Cannavaro: Madrid Will Keep Winning
Speaking to Spanish daily AS the veteran defender said: “At Madrid we are a team, who want to win, to fight and to work to do things better. This team is going to continue winning because when you are accustomed to winning it is difficult to lose.”
These motivational words come just a day before Real Madrid play their first home game of the season against Numancia and despite been left out of the squad Cannavaro is raring to go.
He said: “After returning from three months injury I am very happy. I wake up each morning and I have the same desires to play as always, so all is perfect.”
There have been rumours that the defensive stalwart would be leaving Madrid this year to return to play in his native Italy, a rumour which he did not shy away from when asked.
“I do want to play another year in Naples but I must speak to the club before Christmas to see if they continue to trust me. I am very happy here, I am not going anywhere yet,” he assured.
Whilst been injured Cannavaro has had time to observe the club from the outside this summer and he says that the minimal transfer activity does not overly concern him, but he does think players may be needed at Christmas.
“We will be fine until December and then if the president and Mijatovic decide that we need reinforcements they will bolster the squad. But I trust fully in everyone since we have already won. We are a great mix of young and old,” he said.
The one player who was close to joining Los Blancos this summer was Cristiano Ronaldo and the defender says even with his fame he would have fitted in well. “If he had arrived he would have worked with the rest of us. He is a star but if he had joined Real Madrid then we would see that he works with the team,” he stated.
The lack of transfer activity at Real Madrid has been much discussed over the summer months and speaking about the Champions League Cannavaro knows that they may need extra strength come the second half of the season.
“Winning the Champions League is very difficult. We have to be fully fit in February and March because the last two years we haven’t been. If we want to win it then in March we must have a complete team,” he explained.
Despite been in a celebratory mood the Italian also found time to discuss more gritty subjects, such as the surprise move of team mate Robinho to Manchester City.
“Robinho has made mistakes by speaking a lot, he has had bad agents. A club such as Madrid puts you in the eye of Brazil and gives you great opportunities. Nevertheless I think the fault is not of Robinho, but rather of his environment,” he concluded.
Van Der Vaart Wanted Barça
Undermanned Galaxy plan on victory
Zé Castro: I Won’t Give Up To Colotto
These motivational words come just a day before Real Madrid play their first home game of the season against Numancia and despite been left out of the squad Cannavaro is raring to go.
He said: “After returning from three months injury I am very happy. I wake up each morning and I have the same desires to play as always, so all is perfect.”
There have been rumours that the defensive stalwart would be leaving Madrid this year to return to play in his native Italy, a rumour which he did not shy away from when asked.
“I do want to play another year in Naples but I must speak to the club before Christmas to see if they continue to trust me. I am very happy here, I am not going anywhere yet,” he assured.
Whilst been injured Cannavaro has had time to observe the club from the outside this summer and he says that the minimal transfer activity does not overly concern him, but he does think players may be needed at Christmas.
“We will be fine until December and then if the president and Mijatovic decide that we need reinforcements they will bolster the squad. But I trust fully in everyone since we have already won. We are a great mix of young and old,” he said.
The one player who was close to joining Los Blancos this summer was Cristiano Ronaldo and the defender says even with his fame he would have fitted in well. “If he had arrived he would have worked with the rest of us. He is a star but if he had joined Real Madrid then we would see that he works with the team,” he stated.
The lack of transfer activity at Real Madrid has been much discussed over the summer months and speaking about the Champions League Cannavaro knows that they may need extra strength come the second half of the season.
“Winning the Champions League is very difficult. We have to be fully fit in February and March because the last two years we haven’t been. If we want to win it then in March we must have a complete team,” he explained.
Despite been in a celebratory mood the Italian also found time to discuss more gritty subjects, such as the surprise move of team mate Robinho to Manchester City.
“Robinho has made mistakes by speaking a lot, he has had bad agents. A club such as Madrid puts you in the eye of Brazil and gives you great opportunities. Nevertheless I think the fault is not of Robinho, but rather of his environment,” he concluded.
Van Der Vaart Wanted Barça
Undermanned Galaxy plan on victory
Zé Castro: I Won’t Give Up To Colotto
Puerta’s Parents Chasing Compensation
When Antonio Puerta passed away over a year ago the event was marked by mourning from his family, fans, the club, Spain and ultimately the world of football, now, however it has been bought back up in uglier circumstances.
Spanish daily Marca has reported today that the parents of Puerta have filed a request for Sevilla to pay them €240,000 as means of compensation for the death of their son.
The legal process which has been put in motion by the parents means that should the club consent then the two parties will meet in the courts and try to arrive at an agreement for any compensation.
However, if Sevilla refuse the request to discuss the issue then the parents are likely to issue a stronger demand which would see the case taken to court.
The club themselves have declined to comment on the news but it puts them in a difficult position. If they choose to accept to pay the compensation then they will be acknowledging that they are in part responsible for the death of the player, but if they refuse to do so then the case could well be taken to a higher court.
It is no coincidence that this request has been issued just days after the one year anniversary of Puerta’s death as this is the time at which earnings compensation can be demanded.
The parents of the footballer have said that the reason they are claiming compensation is because they relied on his earnings to support them in the past and as such have been economically affected by his death.
During his three year spell at Sevilla the left sided player made 55 appearances and scored five times; he also made one appearance for the Spain international side.
Lewis looks to help reeling Galaxy
Adriano: Sevilla Still A Force
Spain Marks Anniverssary Of Antonio Puerta’s Death
Spanish daily Marca has reported today that the parents of Puerta have filed a request for Sevilla to pay them €240,000 as means of compensation for the death of their son.
The legal process which has been put in motion by the parents means that should the club consent then the two parties will meet in the courts and try to arrive at an agreement for any compensation.
However, if Sevilla refuse the request to discuss the issue then the parents are likely to issue a stronger demand which would see the case taken to court.
The club themselves have declined to comment on the news but it puts them in a difficult position. If they choose to accept to pay the compensation then they will be acknowledging that they are in part responsible for the death of the player, but if they refuse to do so then the case could well be taken to a higher court.
It is no coincidence that this request has been issued just days after the one year anniversary of Puerta’s death as this is the time at which earnings compensation can be demanded.
The parents of the footballer have said that the reason they are claiming compensation is because they relied on his earnings to support them in the past and as such have been economically affected by his death.
During his three year spell at Sevilla the left sided player made 55 appearances and scored five times; he also made one appearance for the Spain international side.
Lewis looks to help reeling Galaxy
Adriano: Sevilla Still A Force
Spain Marks Anniverssary Of Antonio Puerta’s Death
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Madrid Internationals Back In Training
Following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Deportivo on the opening weekend, anything but a victory over newly-promoted Numancia this weekend would be considered disastrous for Real Madrid. Preparation has not been ideal though, with a fair portion of the star-studded squad only returning from international duty over the last couple of days.
However, there was to be no respite for those who served their country when manager Bernd Schuster finally got his team together. The players worked to a fast tempo today in preparation for the clash against Numancia on Sunday and also for their Champions League opener against Bate Borisov next week.
Indeed, barring any last minute misfortune, Schuster will have a near full-strength squad to pick from for the two encounters, with the obvious exception of long-term crockWesley Sneijder. Both Raul and Guti, who were expected to miss the match, could now be in line for starting berths after resuming training during the week.
On paper, it looked as though Real Madrid had a fairly easy start to the season, with the match against Deportivo the only tricky one amongst ties with Numancia, Racing Santander and Real Betis. However, following the opening day defeat in the Riazor, the pressure is now on Schuster and his side.
After Numancia pulled off a huge shock by beating Barcelona last weekend, they will no doubt be full of confidence as they travel to Madrid.
Fire fully loaded for Dynamo
LA earns positive result despite absences
Schuster: Robinho Not Coming To A Coruña
Sylvinho Praises Dani Alves
However, there was to be no respite for those who served their country when manager Bernd Schuster finally got his team together. The players worked to a fast tempo today in preparation for the clash against Numancia on Sunday and also for their Champions League opener against Bate Borisov next week.
Indeed, barring any last minute misfortune, Schuster will have a near full-strength squad to pick from for the two encounters, with the obvious exception of long-term crockWesley Sneijder. Both Raul and Guti, who were expected to miss the match, could now be in line for starting berths after resuming training during the week.
On paper, it looked as though Real Madrid had a fairly easy start to the season, with the match against Deportivo the only tricky one amongst ties with Numancia, Racing Santander and Real Betis. However, following the opening day defeat in the Riazor, the pressure is now on Schuster and his side.
After Numancia pulled off a huge shock by beating Barcelona last weekend, they will no doubt be full of confidence as they travel to Madrid.
Fire fully loaded for Dynamo
LA earns positive result despite absences
Schuster: Robinho Not Coming To A Coruña
Sylvinho Praises Dani Alves
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