Liga Preview: Real Madrid v Deportivo
Javier Irureta's ever-improving side cruise into the capital this Sunday to face-off against the mighty Real Madrid.
Javier Irureta's ever-improving side cruise into the capital this Sunday to face-off against the mighty Real Madrid.
The Merengues sit just three points above their opponents but will be buoyed by qualification for the Champions League quarter finals this week. The 1-0 win in Russia may have been more that a little fortuitous (Julio Cesar missed a great opportunity in the dying embers of the game, and Lokomotiv in general wasted a number of presentable chances) but Vicente Del Bosque's side are now where they belong, and will face Manchester United in the last eight.
They were not at their best last weekend against Villarreal but secured a precious win thanks to a last minute goal from centre-back Ivan Helguera. The former Espanyol man will soon have his partner Fernando Hierro back from long-term injury, and although Francisco Pavon is a fine young defender, nothing makes up for experience, especially in this crucial phase of the season.
Deportivo will be nicely rested after playing several fringe players against Manchester United on Tuesday in what was a meaningless game for both sides. Still, the Galicians were worthy winners and Irureta would have been happy with the display.
In La Liga the Riazor club have crept up on the outside somewhat. A few weeks ago a title charge looked highly unlikely but five wins in a row have lifted them right back up into contention and they now have the advantage of not having to worry about European matters anymore. The thought persists, though, that they may once again come up a little short in the title race. Since they won it back in 2000 Irureta has not managed to find that missing ingredient, even if his side have finished second and third since the triumph. Although the recent results have been superb, the actual performances could still have been more convincing.
What a mouth-watering fixture this looks to be. The two sides have some of the hottest attacking talent in Europe, and all the main protagonists should be on show. If the Merengues play to their slick silky best, there is no one to touch them, but Depor, with their injured wingers back in the side will be a significant threat and we look set for a close game.
Form guide
Real Madrid: Last Six Matches: DWWWWW
In Europe, Victories over Milan and Lokomotiv have seen the Merengues through to the last eight, while Liga defeats of Alaves, Racing Santander and Villarreal have ensured that Del Bosque's charges set the title pace.
Deportivo: Last Six Matches: WDWLWW
The unfortunate 3-2 defeat to Juventus spelt the end of the Galicians' Champions League hopes, but in La Liga recent wins over Racing Santander, Villarreal and Rayo Vallecano have lifted them to within three points of the lead.
Latest team news
Real Madrid: Roberto Carlos comes back into the starting eleven at the expense of Solari after missing the Lokomotiv match through suspension. Otherwise the Merengues will be unchanged. Hierro is not yet fit to start, so Pavon will continue at centre-back. Morientes, Celades and Tote are left out of the squad.
Deportivo: the big guns will all return after many were rested against Manchester United. Makaay will play alone in attack, supported by Fran, Victor and Scaloni.
Probable line-ups
Real Madrid: Casillas; Salgado, Helguera, Pavón, Roberto Carlos; Flavio, Makelele; Figo, Raúl, Zidane; Ronaldo.
Deportivo: Molina; Manuel Pablo, Héctor, Andrade, Romero; Sergio, Maur Silva; Scaloni, Víctor, Fran; Makaay.
Players to watch
Ronaldo (Real Madrid): the Brazilian has 13 Liga goals and will be looking to show that it is he, and not Roy Makaay, who is Spain's top hit man.
Roy Makaay (Deportivo): the former Tenerife striker continues to find the net with regularity. With Fran and Victor back in the side after injury, he should thrive on the crosses that those two will supply.