La Liga: Racing de Santander vs. Real Madrid

Posted on | April 17, 2008 | No Comments

This is going to be a very hard fought game, and very difficult to predict. Racing are making history this season; they have never qualified for a European competition but could end the weekend in a Champions league spot if they beat Madrid and Atlético Madrid lose. Even if they don’t win, their UEFA cup spot seems to be more or less confirmed, given that there are just six games left to play and Almeria, who are in seventh place, are eight points behind. So no pressure on Racing de Santander, but there is on Real Madrid, who could see their nine point lead at the top of La Liga cut to six if they lose here.
Racing are without the young sensation Garay in defense due to injury, and he will be unlikely to play for Racing again as a host of big name clubs are looking out for him. Another two players, Pinillos and Jonatan Valle, are doubtful due to their respective injuries and will have to take a late fitness test.
As for Real Madrid, everything points to Javier Saviola making the starting lineup in detriment to Robinho, and Van Nistelrooy is still out but is nearing the end of his injury nightmare and could even be back for the classic against Barcelona. Coach Bernd Schuster can count on Gago, Drenthe, Robben and Sneijder for the game, but will have to wait to see if he can use Guti. The Spanish midfielder received his fifth yellow card in the game against Murcia at the weekend but the club has asked the committee to remove it as they think it was unjust.
I’m going for a surprise Racing de Santander win here. Real Madrid almost always have problems at the Sardinero stadium, and despite being so far ahead at the top of the table, are not playing good football. Last weekend they were extremely lucky to get the three points at home against second from bottom Murcia, and with Racing wanting to get into fourth place and a Champions league spot, I can see Madrid having a nightmare weekend.
Prediction: Home win (2-1)

Related posts:

1. La Liga: Real Madrid vs. Racing de Santander
2. La Liga: Racing de Santander Vs. Real Madrid
3. La Liga: Racing de Santander vs. Atlético Madrid
4. La Liga: Racing de Santander vs. Sevilla
5. La Liga: Racing de Santander vs. Deportivo de la Coruña

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