Liga Weekend Preview: Murcia-Real Madrid
At the risk of sounding vindicated, Valencia's capture of the Spanish title last weekend summed up all that is logical in European football. This column has been harping on about the inadequacy that is Real Madrid all season, and while remaining steadfastly awed by the Galactico attack, has always sought to expose the myth that attack is somehow the be-all and end-all of football.
At the risk of sounding vindicated, Valencia's capture of the Spanish title last weekend summed up all that is logical in European football. This column has been harping on about the inadequacy that is Real Madrid all season, and while remaining steadfastly awed by the Galactico attack, has always sought to expose the myth that attack is somehow the be-all and end-all of football.
The Alice in Wonderland policies of Florentino Perez has brought Madrid to this impasse. His ludicrous "Zidanes and Pavons" policy, where megastar players are bought each year and augmented by kids from the youth team, has been as effective as Pierluigi Collina's shampoo. The coach, Carlos Queiroz seemed more interested in furthering his career than taking a proper stand on the issue, and lost respect for his mishandling of teenage defender Ruben in the debacle in Seville last Autumn. From then on we were all aware we were dealing with the former assistant manager of Manchester United, rather than a man of gravitas and empathy.
A smooth run of form in the Spring, helped by the impotence of Bayern Munich's attack and the fallible fingers of Oliver Kahn, never masked the see-saw balance of this side, and when Zaragoza and Fernando Morientes seized the moment in decisive games, Madrid were exposed as the lop-sided outfit they are. If they were an item of female clothing, they would be a one-cup bra. An exquisite bra, for sure, one that always attracts, but never fails to expose. Perhaps that is the attraction of this side. Fallible brilliance. So hail Valencia. Pragmatic, determined, and most of all balanced. Worthy Spanish champions for the second year in three.
Real visit Murcia on Sunday evening with nothing to play for but second place. With Barcelona threatening to overhaul them on the back of Ronaldinho's magic and Davids's grit, the former champions may yet raise the stomach for one last fight. Murcia, already relegated, installed former Real coach John Toshack when they were already doomed, and results have picked up since his arrival. That, if anything, is all that spices things up in this clash.
RECENT FORM
Three straight defeats tell their own story for Madrid. Three wins in the last 11 explain it further. Murcia have won only one of the past six, and are 15 points adrift at the foot of the table with good reason.
TEAM NEWS
John Toshack faces his old club with perhaps the weakest playing staff he has ever has the misfortune to handle. Still, the old fox will have fun with the possibility of playing against all the odds. Nothing like making like embarrassing for your former employers.
Zinedine Zidane returns from suspension for the visitors. Having complained of being physically spent, expect the France star to save himself for Euro 2004. When your season has collapsed like a house of cards in two months, motivation is always going to be a problem.
PROBABLE TEAMS
Murcia: Sánchez Broto, Juanma, Ibán Cuadrado, Hurtado, Carreras, Acciari, Jensen, Luis García, Míchel, Richi, David Karanka.
Real Madrid: Casillas, Michel Salgado, Roberto Carlos, Pavón, Helguera, Guti, Beckham, Figo, Zidane, Solari, Raúl.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ivan Hurtado (Murcia)
The Ecuadorian international brings a rare touch of class to a decidedly shoddy set-up.
Francisco Pavon (Real Madrid)
Unlucky enough to have the ill-fated, discredited club transfer policy named after him, Pavon is a promising talent that deserves more protection and nurturing that his president seems willing to admit.