Liga Preview: Albacete-Real Madrid
Having led by eight points just four weeks ago, Real Madrid had the indignity of having to win at home to Sevilla last Sunday evening to restore leadership of the Primera Liga. Resurgent Valencia stormed to the summit in the afternoon, throwing down the gauntlet to the Galacticos.
Having led by eight points just four weeks ago, Real Madrid had the indignity of having to win at home to Sevilla last Sunday evening to restore leadership of the Primera Liga. Resurgent Valencia stormed to the summit in the afternoon, throwing down the gauntlet to the Galacticos.
On Saturday, Real can put some more breathing space, if only temporarily, between themselves and their chasing tormentors by winning at Albacete in a critical encounter that could have a huge bearing on the outcome of the title race. One slip now and Real may not see the league leadership again this season. Anything less than full points for the champions will allow Valencia to take over at the top with a win against stranded Murcia at the Mestalla on Sunday.
Real Madrid are about to enter endgame in their season. After Albacete, the champions face Monaco in the Champions League, Atletico Madrid in the derby, and then Barcelona in the biggest match in Spanish domestic football. Worse, Real Madrid may then have a Champions League semi-final sandwiched between a crunch game at deadly foes Deportivo La Coruna. In comparison, Valencia have a somewhat less demanding domestic calendar and have the UEFA Cup as their only distraction.
The case against Real Madrid has long been made, but the case for Valencia is growing as the weeks pass by. We all know how potent the Madrid machine is, but Valencia have scored only three goals fewer that their illustrious rivals. Furthermore, the 2002 champions have conceded only 21 goals all season. Iker Casillas has had to pick the ball out of his net 36 times – and that was when playing outstandingly himself! Valencia have a huge lead on goal difference, and this tells you something about their superior balance. While it is impossible to see how John Toshack's admirable powers can bring Murcia any glory at the Mestalla, Real Madrid will know anything less than three points against an Albacete side fighting relegation will leave the door open to Valencia. Looking at what lies ahead, that door may be slammed completey shut on the Galactico's faces if it's left ajar this weekend.
RECENT FORM
Albacete are six points off the relegation zone but in a rich vein of form. Four wins and a draw in the last six is testament to their fighting spirit. Recent games with Real have been tight, with the champions winning 2-1 at the Bernabeu in November.
Real Madrid have recovered in recent weeks but are still leaking goals. A 4-2 win over Monaco in the first leg of their European quarter-final may yet prove fatal. A duff night up front in the principality in midweek could yet see Fernando Morientes extract a painful price for his exclusion at the Bernabeu this season. A 5-1 win over Sevilla last weekend was more impressive, but three goals conceded in the last two games shows that this Real Madrid will always be vulnerable.
TEAM NEWS
Luis Figo returns from suspension for Real Madrid. Carlos Queiroz may opt to rest him for midweek and keep a winning team together. However, the time for resting players is passing quickly, and Figo's recent excellence in Europe will probably demand his inclusion. The champions need all hands on deck at this stage of the season. Ivan Helguera will miss the match against his former club through injury.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Albacete: Almunia, Oscar, Pablo, Buades, Peña, Alvaro, David Sánchez, Redondo, Pacheco, Munteanu, Fabiano.
Real Madrid: Casillas, Michel Salgado, Roberto Carlos, Mejía or Pavón, Raúl Bravo, Guti, Beckham, Figo, Zidane, Raúl, Ronaldo.