Champions League Preview: Real Madrid v Marseille
Goals should not be in short supply at the Bernebeu when Real Madrid face-off against Marseille in Champions League match day one.
Goals should not be in short supply at the Bernebeu when Real Madrid face-off against Marseille in Champions League match day one.
The Menengues hit seven past Valladolid in a scintillating display on Saturday night, while Marseille thrashed Le Mans 5-0 to go top of Le Championnat after six matches.
Real, it must be said, faced little resistance from a Valladolid team who were quite simply dreadful. By the 75th minute Raul was completing his hat-trick by cheekily back-healing the ball into the net. That was a measure of just what an easy night Carlos Queiroz's men had.
While Real still cut the irresistible attacking force, defensively they remain far from sound. Following their failure to recruit a replacement for Fernando Morientes in the summer, it was almost inevitable that another centre-back would pick up an injury. That man was Ivan Helguera, meaning the Menengues are forced to play with the inexperienced Francisco Pavon, and Raul Bravo in this first Bernebeu encounter.
One man who will be relishing this encounter more than most is Zinedine Zidane, who supported his home town club Marseille as a boy.
"I am looking forward to the game and although I have a soft spot for Marseille, I will still take every opportunity I can to score against them as a real professional must," he said.
Alain Perrin's men will realistically be targeting second place in this tough group, but their priority for the season will surely be the Championship after missing out last season. On paper they have a good enough squad to launch a real assault, but prolonged Champions League participation could prove a hindrance.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Real Madrid: Helguera is still out so Bravo will continue to deputise at centre-back. Esteban Cambiasso is a doubt after injuring his ankle against Valladolid. If he doesn't make it, Guti will step in to partner David Beckham in central midfield.
Marseille: one of Saturday's scorers Didier Drogba is a doubt with an ankle injury, while Brazilian defender Fernandao could also miss out. Daniel van Buyten who was left on the bench on Saturday, will return to the line-up, and it will be his job to mark Ronaldo.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Real Madrid: Casillas, Salgado, Pavon, Bravo, Roberto Carlos, Luis Figo, Beckham, Guti, Zidane, Raul, Ronaldo.
Marseille: Runje, Beye, van Buyten, Meite, Ecker, Hemdani, Celestini, Meriem, Vachousek, Marlet, Sychev.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ronaldo (Real Madrid): many expect the Brazilian to have a season to remember. He has already built up a fine understanding with Beckham.
Vedran Runje (Marseille): the keeper's performance will surely be key if the French side are to leave Spain with anything to show for their efforts.