Liga Preview: Recreativo v Real Madrid

Recreativo went 2-0 up at the Bernabeu earlier on in the season before losing 4-2. If Spain's oldest club take such a lead again, they may this time stand half a chance of holding on.

For this is a far more street wise Recreativo than in previous months. They have grown accustomed to the hardships of Liga life, and are no longer a guaranteed three points for anyone. Except Deportivo that is. Last week the Galicians handed them a timely reminder of the bad old days when thrashing them 5-0 at the Riazor.

There may be more where that came from too. While Recre have done superbly to lift themselves out of the mire, they have a hellish series of games to come that could send them right back to square one. In the next five matches they face Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, Barcelona, Sevilla and Mallorca.

Vicente Del Bosque's Real enter this match off the back of a tough examination against Juventus. The Italians were by no means out of their depth at the Bernabeu, and there were spells early in the second-half where it looked as though they may come away with a victory. As it was, Roberto Carlos' controversial 73rd minute goal won the day for the Merengues, but they know they face a stern test when visiting a sold-out Stadio Delle Alpi next Wednesday.

But what of Real's amazing 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Mallorca last Saturday? Surely one of the most amazing results anywhere over the last few years. They looked to be cruising home at half-time, but hesitation in defence allowed Walter Pandiani to level right after the break, and the rest is history. Fernando Hierro was given a tough time by some sections of the home support in that match. While his lack of pace becomes more and more apparent by the week, it is surely a travesty that such a loyal servant by jeered by his own fans.

FORM GUIDE

Recreativo: Last Six Matches: DWWLWL

1-0 wins over Valladolid and Alaves have helped Recre's cause no end. Since then they have lost narrowly at Racing Santander, thrashed Villarreal 5-0, but been beaten by the same score at Deportivo.

Real Madrid: Last Six Matches: LDLWLW

In the league, Real have conceded nine goals in defeats against Real Sociedad and Mallorca, while they were also held by Barcelona. The only win came away to Sevilla, 3-1.

LATEST TEAM NEWS

Recreativo: Loren should start in defence, and Benítez is likely to take his place in midfield. Top scorer Molina, who has not trained properly over the last few days because of a muscle injury, will start. Kaiku and Xisco will not.

Real Madrid: Figo, Raul, Ronaldo and Zidane are all injured and have not been called up by Del Bosque. So in attack, Morientes is likely to play alone up front, with Guti just behind him. McManaman and Solari should take their place on the wings. Flavio is set to return alongside Makelele in central midfield, although another option would be to move McManaman back, and put Miñambres in an advanced position on the right.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Recreativo (4-4-2): Luque, Espínola, Iker Begoña, Loren, Pernía, Javi García, Viqueira, Diego Camacho, Oscar Arpón, Benítez, Raúl Molina.

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Casillas, Michel Salgado, Hierro, Helguera, Roberto Carlos, Makelele, Flavio, McManaman, Guti, Solari, Morientes.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Raul Molina (Recreativo): if Recre go down, there may be more than one of two takers for the club's top scorer this season.

Claude Malelele (Real Madrid): the unsung hero of the Real side will be as crucial as ever with so many top stars out of action.