Liga Preview: Real Madrid-Recreativo Huelva
A team expecting to win La Liga meet a side just happy to be competing on Sunday as Real Madrid entertain Recreativo Huelva.
A team expecting to win La Liga meet a side just happy to be competing on Sunday as Real Madrid entertain Recreativo Huelva.
The euphoria of last weekend's smashing victory over Mallorca has now disappeared after the Merengues' somewhat embarrassing 2-2 home Champions League draw with supposed group whipping boys Lokomotiv Moscow. Once again, as has been the case so often in the past, Raul bailed out his side with two goals.
Real, though, were at their dashing best in the 5-1 thrashing of Mallorca last week. The scoreline may have flattered them a little -goalkeeper Iker Casillas was in inspired form- but for a supreme example of deadly finishing and controlled passing movements, look no further than that second-half display.
Many have gone to pains to point out what a disappointing Liga season Real have had, but statistics reveal that they've only lost once. Though the fact that they currently lie eight points behind leaders Real Sociedad will be of more concern.
Recreativo currently sit bottom, but in all truth just being in La Liga is a success in itself. They have neither the players nor the resources to climb away from danger and it will be a fight to the bitter end to survive.
FORM GUIDE
Real Madrid: Last six Matches: DDLWWD
The two recent victories came against Olimpia in the Intercontinental Cup, and Mallorca last weekend when braces from Ronaldo and Raul, and another from Guti gave them a slightly flattering win. The defeat and draw against Milan and Lokomotiv respectively, has left the Merengues in a real pickle in their Champions League group.
Recreativo: Last Six Matches: WLLWLD
Defeats against Valladolid, Alaves and Villarreal have ensured that Lucas Alcarez' side remain rooted to the bottom. The only recent Liga win came against Racing when two Raul Molina goals handed them a 2-1 victory. They did, however, secure a fine 1-1 home draw with Deportivo last weekend courtesy of another Molina effort.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Real: Hierro has suffered a flare-up of an ankle problem which had sidelined him for almost the entire month of November, while Makelele picked up a new groin injury. Neither are expected back before January. To add to this, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos are also sidelined through injury. Helguera, Raul Bravo, Flavio and Guti will all start. Celades and Tote are left out.
Recreativo: Galán and Iker Begoña are called up to the squad for this match, but Yago, Gallego and José Mari are all out.