Real Madrid Legends Santillana, Pirri Believe In Comeback

Despite trailing league leaders Barcelona by a massive 12 points, some of Real Madrid’s former heroes are confident that Los Blancos can pull off a miraculous comeback.

Real Madrid put an end to their woeful three game losing streak in La Liga when they edged Valencia 1-0 last Saturday at the Bernabeu to ensure they wrap up 2008 on a winning note.

But in spite of the pivotal three points, Los Blancos are still well off the pace as arch nemesis and league leaders, Barcelona continue to romp away at the top following their 2-1 win at Villarreal.

The gap now stands at 12 points but with still more than half the season to go, there’s a high wave of optimism at the ‘White House’ that the merengues can claw their way back into the title hunt and catch the Blaugrana.

A number of the current crop of players have already expressed their confidence and now, some of their former superstars of yesteryears have come out to show their support.

“It is perfectly possible to close down the gap because there’s still a lot of games left in La Liga,” said the iconic striker from the 70’s Santillana.

“It is not necessary to throw in the towel yet, although Madrid will have to be on their toes until the very end because if Barcelona start to show any weaknesses, we have to take advantage of it."

“The players nowadays have the same mentality as the one we used to have during my time.

“But there has to be someone who can constantly lead the rest of the squad in the dressing room and make them realise the need to fight until the very last minute of every game,” the 56-year-old stressed.

Another veteran, Pirri, a defensive midfielder who donned the famous white shirt for 16 years from 1964 to 1980, also had words of encouragement for Los Blancos.

“A comeback is always possible. If I were a player now, I would fight to reduce the gap, although everything depends on Barcelona."

“But Madrid must focus on themselves and not on their rivals. As soon as we recover our injured, we must start winning all our games."

“The team must work hard and place themselves right behind Barca and wait for them to stumble. It is never possible to say that La Liga is lost,” he concluded.