Liga Preview: Espanyol-Real Madrid
Espanyol's form has only been second to that of Real Sociedad and Real Madrid over the last five games, and they'll be looking to continue that good run against the Merengues in Montjuic.
Espanyol's form has only been second to that of Real Sociedad and Real Madrid over the last five games, and they'll be looking to continue that good run against the Merengues in Montjuic.
The Javier Clemente regime is well under way, and last week the Budgies came from a goal down to beat Deportivo La Coruna 3-1. The midfield slots were filled with predominantly defensive players and the move paid dividends.
This is a massive period for the club. They are on a fine run but now face three tough games on the trot. Three defeats and they would be right back to square one. There is a fear that if Espanyol were to be relegated they'd sink without trace. Afterall, their financial problems have been well-documented.
No such difficulties for Real Madrid, although you wouldn't think it by how desperate they are to sell-off Santi Solari. The Merengues really want to avoid paying that £7 million to Inter as part of the Ronaldo deal, but after the Nerazzurri failed to agree terms with the winger, it looks like they'll have to.
On Wednesday, a Real side featuring the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Raul and Ivan Helguera were humiliated 4-0 by Mallorca in the Copa del Rey. Coach Vicente Del Bosque admitted afterwards that he got the team selection wrong.
"There is no need to look for a scapegoat because I am the main person responsible," he said.
"I am upset for the club, for the players who were on the pitch and those who were back home in Madrid, because I thought we could qualify.
"I thought they were the ideal players for the occasion. I really thought they could qualify us for the semi-finals."
There must now be concerns over Raul who after netting six in six games, now has just one goal in his previous six. The Merengues doctors apparently believe he needs a rest, but with so many important matches to come, this isn't an option. He has been uncharacteristically profligate in front of goal, though, with glaring misses against Valencia and Atletico springing to mind.
FORM GUIDE
Espanyol: Last Six Matches: LWLWDW
Following the defeat at re-emerging Alaves, Clemente's men have beaten out-of-form Racing (3-0), drawn at Villarreal (0-0) and defeated Deportivo (3-1) – a match in which all of the four goals came in the first 27 minutes.
Real Madrid: Last Six Matches: WWDDDL
Draws against Atletico and Bilbao have somewhat stopped Real in their tracks and allowed Sociedad to move five points clear at the top. A Copa win and a draw against Terrassa and Mallorca respectively have counted for nothing following the 4-0 exit on Wednesday.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Moreno Torricelli (Espanyol): the veteran Italian arrived on a free transfer this week and said of the prospect of playing a part in this match: "Physically I feel good, but the final decision lies with the coach. It has been a while since I played and I am short of games, but it would be nice to get on the pitch against Madrid, and to meet Zidane again (a former Juventus team-mate)."
He could prove a shrewd addition to the squad.
Ronaldo (Real Madrid): the Brazilian once again displayed flashes of brilliance in the draw with Bilbao last week, and was unlucky just to score once.