La Liga: Almeria vs. Real Madrid

Posted on | January 31, 2008 | No Comments

Real Madrid travel to Almeria this weekend with some historic statistics. They have won their last eight league matches, all their home games this season, and have amounted fifty three points from twenty one games. Although their level of play hasn’t been amazing and they have been accused of not playing ‘beautiful’ football, they affectivity has been devastating. Last weekend saw them beat Villarreal at home by three goals to two to put them nine points clear of second placed Barcelona, fifteen points from Villarreal and sixteen form fourth placed Atlético Madrid. People are now saying that the league is all but over, and Madrid know that their only rival is themselves.
Almeria though won’t be a walk in the park for Madrid, as quite a few top teams have found out for themselves this season. They have won eight games this season, which isn’t bad for a newly promoted club, and have beaten teams like Sevilla, Espanyol and Valencia. They also are on a great run of three consecutive wins, so whatever happens on Saturday, one of them is going to end their winning streak.
One of the secrets to Madrid’s success is their lack of major injury problems this season. Central defender Metzelder is still out though, and may even have to go through surgery to correct his niggling foot injury. However, he hasn’t played a big part in Madrid’s plans so far and won’t be too missed. The problem for coach Bernd Schuster though is the injury to Pepe. He has played an important role and as he plays in the same position as Metzelder, there only remains Cannavaro and Sergio Ramos to cover. Also out are Heinze and Marcelo –both left backs- but one or the other should be fit to play against Almeria.
The Andalucian side doesn’t have any injury worries at all and face Madrid with all their heavy artillery at the ready. This will be an historic day for Almeria, as they haven’t faced Real Madrid at home in an official match for over twenty seven years, and will definitely make a party of it. The stadium has sold out of tickets already and with the support of the fans they are hoping to surprise the leaders of La Liga.
This won’t be as easy for Real Madrid as people are thinking. Almeria has a serious side and is well organized. However, they don’t possess the class that Madrid does and I’m going for a narrow away win.
Prediction: Away win (2-3)

Related posts:

1. La Liga: Real Madrid vs. Almeria
2. La Liga: Atlético Madrid vs. Almeria
3. La Liga: Racing de Santander vs. Real Madrid
4. La Liga: Almeria vs. Levante
5. La Liga: Real Madrid vs. Valladolid

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