Liga Preview: Sevilla v Real Madrid
An away game at Sevilla is no one's idea of fun these days, and Joaquin Caparrós' side will provide a stern test of Real Madrid's championship credentials.
An away game at Sevilla is no one's idea of fun these days, and Joaquin Caparrós' side will provide a stern test of Real Madrid's championship credentials.
The Southerners have exceeded many people's expectations this season and are currently in the hunt for a Uefa Cup place. They have the third best defence in La Liga, and in the form of Niclas Machlas they may just have found the answer to their goalscoring prayers. Two weeks ago the Greek international, on loan from Ajax, netted twice against Villarreal and may now be given the extended run in the first team that he so craves. However, this week he was placed under custody for resisting arrest after having been stopped for reckless driving.
Despite this distraction, Sevilla will be confident of the three points in this encounter as they've won each of their last four home games.
The Merengues made it through to the semi-finals of the Champions League despite a 4-3 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford. There was always the feeling that Vicente Del Bosque's side were one step ahead of the English, and after Ronaldo's second goal, the match looked a formality.
The big surprise in Del Bosque's starting line-up was Steve McManaman. Despite starting so few games this season, the former Liverpool man did not disappoint, although he did fade slightly as the game went on. The man who he replaced, Flavio Conceicao, is regarded as the weak-link in the team by those in the know, and he may now have a fight on his hands to get back in on a permanent basis..
There were a number of impressive Real performers on Wednesday. Ronaldo, with his hat-trick, was the obvious one, but once again Zinedine Zidane rose to the occasion and produced a performance exuding confidence, while Guti was a fine deputy for the injured Raul.
La Liga doesn't paint quite such a pretty picture. Following the stunning 4-2 defeat to Real Sociedad a couple of weeks ago, and the 1-1 draw against Barcelona last weekend, Real's cushion at the top has been reduced to just a point. The Merengues may continue to dazzle Europe, but it is obvious that more than a few sides in Spain have their number. Perhaps Sevilla will prove one of them.
FORM GUIDE
Sevilla: Last Six Matches: WDWLWL
Osasuna, Alaves and Villarreal have all been disposed of in the Sanchez Pizjuan, while a draw at Valladolid was respectable enough. The only defeats came at inconsistent Racing Santander, and title chasing Deportivo.
Real Madrid: Last Six Matches: WWWLDL
A win and a loss against Manchester United in the Champions League aside, Real have beaten Deportivo and Rayo Vallecano, but lost to Real Sociedad and been held at home by arch-rivals Barcelona.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Sevilla: Castedo, Javi Navarro and Njegus are all suspended, while Vales is out injured. Antonito should start up front with Reyes.
Real Madrid: Pavon could come in for Helguera if he fails to recover from the left knee injury picked up at Old Trafford. Miñambres comes in for Salgado who was sent-off at Barcelona last weekend. Flavio is also likely to replace McManaman in the centre of midfield. Guti continues to deputise for Raul who has appendicitis.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Sevilla (4-4-2): Notario, Redondo, Oscar, Pablo Alfaro, Juanmi, Gallardo, Torrado, Javi Casquero, Fredi, Reyes, Antoñito.
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1) Casillas, Miñambres, Hierro, Helguera or Pavón, Roberto Carlos, Flavio, Makelele, Figo, Guti, Zidane, Ronaldo.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jose Reyes (Sevilla): the highly coveted striker has a massive future ahead of him, and will be keen to prove himself against the best in the business.
Ronaldo (Real Madrid): the Brazilian's confidence should be sky high after his superb hat-trick in midweek. A haul of 16 goals in La Liga this season is impressive indeed. He should certainty not have a small minority of supporters on his back.