Champions League Preview: Genk-Real Madrid
While Real Madrid know they're going through to the next round of the competition, and Genk know they're on the way out, there's plenty of importance attached to this fixture.
While Real Madrid know they're going through to the next round of the competition, and Genk know they're on the way out, there's plenty of importance attached to this fixture.
The best the Belgian champions could have hoped for from this group was surely a place in the Uefa Cup. Going into the final game they have a chance of achieving their aim, and it's certain that Real will not get an easy ride on Tuesday night. Coach Sef Vergoossen will surely look to attack that frail centre of the Real defence in the air, and hope for a little luck at the other end.
The Merengues' lacklustre results in the last three games of the group means that Vicente Del Bosque is unable to put out a reserve team in this fixture.
There is the sense, though, that Real are soon to hit top gear. On Saturday they finally won a Liga match away from home at neighbours Rayo Vallecano, and with upcoming matches against Real Sociedad, Barcelona and Mallorca, Del Bosque's men will be highly motivated to say the least.
Ronaldo's poor scoring run came to an end on Saturday and the Real fans will be hoping that they can now finally see the best from their big-name summer signing. The Brazilian had not lacked for effort previously, but all too often looked a stranded figure up front, starved of the service that Real Madrid strikers have taken for granted over the years.
FORM GUIDE
Genk's Last Six Matches: WDWDDL
The Belgians hardly enter this fixture full of confidence, following a 4-0 thrashing by Brugge at the weekend. The clash against AEK two weeks ago, though, saw Vergoossen's men score their first goal in the group thanks to Wesley Sonck's close-range effort. He will be a key man once again.
Real Madrid's Last Six Matches: DDLDWW
The Merengues have bagged seven in the last two games, albeit against a struggling Oviedo side in the Copa del Rey, and a Rayo backline hardly renowned for their defensive prowess. The 1-0 defeat to Roma at the Bernebeu, where the Italians played it spot on tactically, has ensured that Real must win this one to ensure they finish top of the group.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Genk: Midfielder Koen Daerden is suspended, while forward Moumouni Dagano is also out. Meanwhile, the disappointing Wamfor should be replaced by Ingrao.
Real Madrid: Zidane, Raul, Ronaldo, Makelele and Cambiasso are all out with slight injuries. Celades and Flavio will come in to form the central midfield duo, while Figo (or Miñambres) and Solari will occupy the wings. Morientes should start up front, with Guti just behind.