CL Preview: Real Madrid v Partizan Belgrade
Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz knows his side aren't yet firing on all cylinders, but was full of praise for his men on Saturday as they disposed of Celta Vigo with the minimum of fuss at the Balaidos. Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos did the damage as the Merengues kept up the pressure on Valencia at the top of La Liga.
Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz knows his side aren't yet firing on all cylinders, but was full of praise for his men on Saturday as they disposed of Celta Vigo with the minimum of fuss at the Balaidos. Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos did the damage as the Merengues kept up the pressure on Valencia at the top of La Liga.
The name on everyone's lips at present is Michel Salgado. The former Celta right-back is in negotiations with the club over an extension to his contract which expires in the summer. The smart money would be on him re-signing, but his future looks far less assured than that of Roberto Carlos who eats, sleeps and breaths Real and will not be leaving the Bernabeu under any circumstances.
The club know that they can't match what Chelsea would be willing to offer Salgado, and they will not be held to ransom. If he leaves, he leaves. People feared for the side when Claude Makelele left, but Real got over his departure, and no doubt they would do the same with Salgado.
Partizan Belgrade are big outsiders to qualify from this taxing Champions League group.
The Yugoslavs held Porto to a 1-1 draw on the opening day, but were thrashed 3-0 by a Didier Drogba-inspired Marseille at the Velodrome last time out. If they are to qualify, Lothar Matthaus' side need at least three points from these two games against Real.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Real Madrid: David Beckham is a slight doubt with an injury to the right thigh, but should play. If not, Guti will start. Ivan Helguera and Raul Bravo are expected to carry on in central midfield and central defence respectively.
Partizan: Andrija Delibasic is suspended after picking up three yellow cards. Ivica Kralj, Milovan Milovic and Milivoje Circovic are all injured. Taribo West, Branko Savic and Branimir Bajic should play despite knocks.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Real Madrid: Casillas, Michel Salgado, Pavón, Raúl Bravo, Roberto Carlos, Beckham, Helguera; Figo, Raúl, Zidane, Ronaldo.
Partizán: Pantic, Savic, West, Duljaj, Nadj, Djodjevic, Malbasa, Stonajonovski, Ilic, Iliev, Brnovic.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Michel Salgado (Real Madrid): it will be interesting to see whether the contract renegotiations and constant speculation about Salgado's future will effect the Spanish international's display. Up to now he has been one of Real's most impressive performers.
Sasa Ilic (Partizan): the captain will once again be charged with providing some creative sparkle in the Partizan midfield.