Liga Preview: Real Madrid v Racing Santander
Real Madrid come up against one of only two sides that have beaten them all season in La Liga when they host Racing Santander at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid come up against one of only two sides that have beaten them all season in La Liga when they host Racing Santander at the Bernabeu.
The Merengues kept hold of first place with that crushing demolition of Alaves last week. The match was significant for Ronaldo's first hat-trick in a Real shirt, and brought back memories of the player of old. His shimmies for the first and second goals were reminiscent of his Barcelona days. Ironically just three days beforehand he probably had a better game but didn't score in the 1-1 Champions League draw with Borussia Dortmund.
Vicente Del Bosque's men will probably have one eye on next week's crucial Champions League match with Milan. The reality is that had Javier Portillo not netted a late equalizer in the 1-1 draw at Dortmund, Real would be staring down the barrel of a gun. As it is, they are now favorites to go through.
Racing have picked up dramatically after their poor early year form and look capable of securing a mid-table position. Cos and Piterman have a team certainly capable of scoring goals, and on their day they are one of the best counterattacking sides in the league. Recent victims Villarreal would certainly testify to that.
FORM GUIDE
Real Madrid Last Six Matches: WLWWDW
Wins over Betis, Valladolid and Alaves have taken the Merengues to the top of the league. A win and a draw against Dortmund should see them through to the next round of the Champions League, also. The defeat came in Pamplona against Osasuna.
Racing Santander: Last Six Matches: LLWWWL
The three straight victories came against Alaves, Rayo Vallecano and Villarreal. Last weekend they were beaten 2-1 by a re-emerging Deportivo side.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Real Madrid: Del Bosque has a defensive crisis to contend with, and it would look as if Real's lack of cover at centre-back is coming back to haunt them. Hierro and Helguera are both out injured, while Pavon is a doubt after hurting himself in training. Rubén is likely to come in, and Caesar Navas, who has never played in the first team, could partner him if Pavon is out. Makelele and Figo will return after missing the Alaves game through suspension and injury respectively. McManaman, Tote and Celades have been left out of the squad by Del Bosque.
Racing: Munitis, who is on loan from Real, will travel but may not play because of injury. Lago or Sarabia could deputise. Racing bring a squad of 24 to Madrid.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1) Casillas, Salgado, Rubén, Pavón or César Navas, Roberto Carlos, Makelele, Flavio, Figo, Raúl, Zidane, Ronaldo.
Racing (4-2-3-1): Lemmens, Coromina, Moratón, Juanma, Neru, Diego Mateo, Nafti, Sarabia or Pablo Lago, Benayoun, Txiki, Javi Guerrero.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ronaldo (Real Madrid): confidence should be high after a hat-trick last weekend.
Erwin Lemmens (Racing): Real's best form of defence is attack, so the Belgian goalkeeper should be in for a busy night. Real may be missing defenders, but at the other end they are at full-strength.