Real Madrid and Raul ready to resume Spanish leadership
Real Madrid fans believe it has been an eternity since they headed the Spanish first division, although in reality the last time was in April, but a victory at Osasuna on Sunday could see them go to top for the first time this season.
Real Madrid fans believe it has been an eternity since they headed the Spanish first division, although in reality the last time was in April, but a victory at Osasuna on Sunday could see them go to top for the first time this season.
Real Sociedad lead the league with 44 points from 21 games but the European and world club champions are breathing down their neck just two points behind.
If the Basques drop points at Real Betis on Sunday it would open the door to Real Madrid.
"Sociedad were a bit of a surprise at first but they've shown that they are a good well organised team with many virtues. I think they'll end up in one of the Champions League spots but we've got the wind behind us now," warned Real Madrid's star striker Raul earlier this week.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid coach Vicente Del Bosque has a few injury worries.
Ronaldo will face a late fitness test on the bruised calf that caused him to stay in the dressing room after the break in Brazil's lack lustre 0-0 draw with China on Wednesday.
"It's nothing serious. Just a mild knock after a heavy tackle," said Ronaldo on Thursday, although Del Bosque may opt to rest the World Player of the Year after the tiring trip to the Far East and Jose Maria 'Guti' Gutierrez would be the natural replacement.
Club captain Fernando Hierro injured his knee in their 4-1 thrashing of Real Betis on Saturday and his place in the centre of the defence will be taken by Francisco Pavon, while Raul will acquire Hierro's captain's armband.
After going seven games without getting a goal, Raul finally found the net against Betis and he confirmed that his scoring touch has returned with a brace for Spain against Germany on Wednesday, which took his international tally to 31 goals and made him Spain's all-time top scorer.
Osasuna will be no pushover at home even though they hover just above the relegation zone.
Late last season they beat Real Madrid 3-1, a match which effectively ended Real's title ambitions, and their scalps in this campaign include reigning champions Valencia.
However, Osasuna will be without their suspended left winger Gerardo Rivero, their top scorer this season, and on-loan striker Valdo.
Valdo arrived during the winter transfer window from Real Madrid's reserves but a clause in the deal forbids him to play against his former team.
Real Sociedad hope to hang onto their lead in Seville at Real Betis but they will be without their suspended winger Javier De Pedro.
De Pedro was banned for two games on Wednesday for stamping on Athletic Bilbao's Javi Gonzalez two weeks ago and complained bitterly that there seems to be one rule for the unfashionable smaller clubs and one for the giants of Spanish football.
The Spanish World Cup star pointed out that Real Madrid's Zinedine Zidane had been twice recently caught on TV camera committing similar offences and both times the Frenchman escaped unpunished.
"There are clearly some people who don't like the fact that Real (Sociedad) are top of the table rather than Real Madrid or Barcelona. Some people are not accustomed to seeing us in the lead and want to hinder us anyway they can. At least, I didn't stamp on Luis Figo or one of those guys because who knows how many weeks I'd have been banned for," fumed De Pedro.
Espanyol, after only losing one match in seven since former Spanish national coach Javier Clemente took over in December, start as unlikely favourites in their local derby against Barcelona on Saturday even though they are still in the relegation zone.
"It's pretty funny when you think that we have spent 5,000 euros on signings this season and we are a favourites against a team worth many times more than that," joked Clemente on Thursday, with thinly veiled sarcasm.
Barca have now gone five games without a win and slumped to 15th, the lowest place in their history, and morale in the star-studded squad has plummeted in similar fashion to their league position.
Saturday:
Espanyol vs. Barcelona
Valencia vs. Malaga
Valladolid vs. Deportivo La Coruna
Sunday:
Alaves vs. Villarreal
Athletic Bilbao vs. Sevilla
Celta Vigo vs. Recreativo Huelva
Osasuna vs. Real Madrid
Racing Santander vs. Rayo Vallecano
Atletico Madrid vs. Real Mallorca
Real Betis vs. Real Sociedad