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Friends Of Don Quixote: Proving Ground
David Mosse previews the upcoming weekend in La Liga.
Nov 27, 2009 10:23:49 PM
Manuel Pellegrini has been asked so many times this season why his team doesn’t play like Barcelona, the Chilean could be forgiven for walking around this week with a copy of the La Liga standings taped to his forehead. Real Madrid enters Sunday’s showdown in first place, one point ahead of Barca, thanks to its strongest start in 17 years.
Of course, Madrid hasn’t looked all that convincing -- Pellegrini’s side was jeered again on Wednesday in a 1-0 home win over FC Zurich -- but neither has Barcelona. Not with any degree of consistency anyway. The Catalan giants did turn back the clock midweek and put forth a performance worthy of last season, brushing aside Inter 2-0.
Whether the Inter victory, achieved without Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, means Barcelona is back in business remains to be seen, but Pep Guardiola had to be thrilled with what he saw from Andres Iniesta, who has struggled so far this season, but returned to his devastating best against the Italian champions.
Iniesta actually began the match on the right side, but was given the freedom to roam and popped up in every part of the field. It will be fascinating to see how Guardiola employs him on Sunday, but much will depend, naturally, on the availability of Messi, and also whether the manager trusts young Pedro to start this kind of game.
Thierry Henry did a commendable job filling in for Ibrahimovic on Tuesday, but should go back to the bench, as the Swede is expected to be in the lineup. Ibrahimovic does have some big shoes to fill, as Samuel Eto’o had a habit of scoring goals against Real, which further endeared him to the Camp Nou crowd.
Guardiola’s biggest concern will be how a defense that was largely untested against Eto’o and co. will hold up against Madrid. Daniel Alves took a knock against Inter and is now considered a doubt, which could result in Carles Puyol playing right back, pressing Rafa Marquez or Dmytro Chygrynskiy into action in the middle. Yikes.
As I mentioned earlier, Wednesday’s Champions League clash against FC Zurich was no picnic for Pellegrini, but the Merengues boss did receive a great bit of news, as Cristiano Ronaldo finally made his return from injury. The Portuguese star came on for the final 20 minutes and looked very strong, appearing ready to go for Sunday.
Madrid has won every match Ronaldo has taken part in this season. He is expected to play from the start, alongside Kaka and Karim Benzema, as the three expensive summer signings will have an opportunity to prove their worth.
The shock is the apparent inclusion of Marcelo, at the expense of Gonzalo Higuain. Raul will also begin from the bench, which is no longer news. The rest of the team, provided Raul Albiol is declared fit, virtually picks itself, mainly because a number of positions don’t have anyone even resembling a suitable backup.
Xabi Alonso and Lassana Diarra must hold their own in the center of the park against Xavi and the emerging Sergio Busquets, while Sergio Ramos better be ready for whatever comes his way down that left side. He should receive a great deal of support from Pepe, who has been in fantastic form.
Lots of interesting subplots for a game that seemingly never fails to deliver. Winning in Barcelona was once considered mission impossible for Madrid, but Real has achieved the feat twice in recent seasons. A victory would bring its manager some much-needed peace.
The numbers seem to indicate it is entirely possible, but as Pellegrini has been reminded all too often this season, being the better team in paper doesn’t count for a whole lot.
First Quest: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. EST, ESPN Deportes and Gol TV
Much has been made about the different approach of these two clubs the past few years, as Barcelona is perceived to be the far more stable of the two. A look at the respective sidelines would seem to back up that claim.
Only two men, Frank Rijkaard and Pep Guardiola, have coached Barcelona against Real Madrid since the 2003-2004 season. By contrast, Manuel Pellegrini will be the eighth different manager in charge of the Merengues in a Barcelona-Real Madrid clash during that same span. The only two not to collect any points were Mariano Garcia Remon, who lost his only game 3-0 back in 2004, and Juande Ramos, defeated in both match-ups last season (0-2, 2-6).
Since 2001-2002, Madrid has as many wins in this fixture as Barcelona (2), to go along with four draws. The last victory for the visitors came in 2007, as Julio Baptista scored a sensational winner late in the first half to clinch a 1-0 triumph. Real also won 2-1 back in 2003, behind goals from Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo (the other one).
Second Quest: Valencia vs. Mallorca
Saturday, 2:00 p.m. EST, ESPN Deportes
Valencia and Mallorca meet in a fascinating encounter on Saturday. Los Che bolstered their record as the best visiting team in La Liga last weekend in Pamplona, but will seek to improve their home form, as they have already drawn three games at the Mestalla this season. Mallorca could be just the right opponent.
Despite an impressive start to the campaign – Mallorca currently sits in sixth place, four points behind Valencia for the final Champions League spot – Gregorio Manzano’s side is winless away from home. In-form Uruguayan playmaker Chori Castro will look to put a stop to that streak.
For Valencia, Miguel remains in Guti-like purgatory after showing up late for a practice recently. He has not been called up for the last two matches. But midfielder Juan Mata, who was held out of the victory over Osasuna because of a slight calf problem, is said to be completely healthy and ready to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup.
Ladies-in-waiting: Sevilla vs. Malaga
Saturday, 4:00 p.m. EST, Gol TV
Sevilla has done well to stay within reach of Real Madrid and Barcelona, and can reap the benefits of the big two squaring off this weekend, provided Manuel Jimenez’s side doesn’t slip up at home against last-placed Malaga in the Andalucian derby.
The man of the moment for Sevilla is Argentinean winger Diego Perotti, who found the back of the net last week against Tenerife, and continues to attract attention from the rest of Europe. Real Madrid had previously expressed an interest in the 21-year-old, and Arsenal is the latest big club said to be monitoring his progress.
On Saturday, Perotti will make his 30th appearance for Sevilla, triggering a clause in his contract that raises his buyout price to 30 million euros. If he carries on as he is, Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nildo will need to think about doubling that figure to have any shot at retaining the youngster after this season.
Ladies-in-waiting: Atletico Madrid vs. Espanyol
Sunday, 3:00 p.m. EST, ESPN Deportes (tape delay at 4:30)
Atletico Madrid will look to pick up the pieces after the latest excruciating defeat at the hands of Deportivo last week. Quique Flores’ side returns home, and there is no telling what kind of reception the team will receive from supporters who have long gone past frustration and reached a state of delirium.
And yet Sunday’s encounter actually shapes up as eminently winnable against struggling Espanyol, who dropped to 10th place following a 2-0 home loss to Getafe last time out. Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura has been a colossal flop, and Ivan de la Pena is contemplating retirement because of his health issues.
For the hosts, Diego Forlan is expected back in the starting lineup. The Uruguayan began from the bench at the Riazor after returning late from international duty. Forlan will partner Sergio Aguero, who put forth another heroic effort against Deportivo, and is fast becoming a tragic figure at this club.
The Impertinent Curiosity: Other Games
Sporting Gijon vs. Villarreal
Racing vs. Deportivo
Valladolid vs. Tenerife
Real Zaragoza vs. Osasuna
Almeria vs. Athletic Bilbao
Getafe vs. Xerez
David Mosse, Goal.com
For more on Spain click ahead to Goal.com's Spain homepage
Of course, Madrid hasn’t looked all that convincing -- Pellegrini’s side was jeered again on Wednesday in a 1-0 home win over FC Zurich -- but neither has Barcelona. Not with any degree of consistency anyway. The Catalan giants did turn back the clock midweek and put forth a performance worthy of last season, brushing aside Inter 2-0.
Whether the Inter victory, achieved without Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, means Barcelona is back in business remains to be seen, but Pep Guardiola had to be thrilled with what he saw from Andres Iniesta, who has struggled so far this season, but returned to his devastating best against the Italian champions.
Iniesta actually began the match on the right side, but was given the freedom to roam and popped up in every part of the field. It will be fascinating to see how Guardiola employs him on Sunday, but much will depend, naturally, on the availability of Messi, and also whether the manager trusts young Pedro to start this kind of game.
Thierry Henry did a commendable job filling in for Ibrahimovic on Tuesday, but should go back to the bench, as the Swede is expected to be in the lineup. Ibrahimovic does have some big shoes to fill, as Samuel Eto’o had a habit of scoring goals against Real, which further endeared him to the Camp Nou crowd.
Guardiola’s biggest concern will be how a defense that was largely untested against Eto’o and co. will hold up against Madrid. Daniel Alves took a knock against Inter and is now considered a doubt, which could result in Carles Puyol playing right back, pressing Rafa Marquez or Dmytro Chygrynskiy into action in the middle. Yikes.
As I mentioned earlier, Wednesday’s Champions League clash against FC Zurich was no picnic for Pellegrini, but the Merengues boss did receive a great bit of news, as Cristiano Ronaldo finally made his return from injury. The Portuguese star came on for the final 20 minutes and looked very strong, appearing ready to go for Sunday.
Madrid has won every match Ronaldo has taken part in this season. He is expected to play from the start, alongside Kaka and Karim Benzema, as the three expensive summer signings will have an opportunity to prove their worth.
The shock is the apparent inclusion of Marcelo, at the expense of Gonzalo Higuain. Raul will also begin from the bench, which is no longer news. The rest of the team, provided Raul Albiol is declared fit, virtually picks itself, mainly because a number of positions don’t have anyone even resembling a suitable backup.
Xabi Alonso and Lassana Diarra must hold their own in the center of the park against Xavi and the emerging Sergio Busquets, while Sergio Ramos better be ready for whatever comes his way down that left side. He should receive a great deal of support from Pepe, who has been in fantastic form.
Lots of interesting subplots for a game that seemingly never fails to deliver. Winning in Barcelona was once considered mission impossible for Madrid, but Real has achieved the feat twice in recent seasons. A victory would bring its manager some much-needed peace.
The numbers seem to indicate it is entirely possible, but as Pellegrini has been reminded all too often this season, being the better team in paper doesn’t count for a whole lot.
First Quest: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. EST, ESPN Deportes and Gol TV
Much has been made about the different approach of these two clubs the past few years, as Barcelona is perceived to be the far more stable of the two. A look at the respective sidelines would seem to back up that claim.
Only two men, Frank Rijkaard and Pep Guardiola, have coached Barcelona against Real Madrid since the 2003-2004 season. By contrast, Manuel Pellegrini will be the eighth different manager in charge of the Merengues in a Barcelona-Real Madrid clash during that same span. The only two not to collect any points were Mariano Garcia Remon, who lost his only game 3-0 back in 2004, and Juande Ramos, defeated in both match-ups last season (0-2, 2-6).
Since 2001-2002, Madrid has as many wins in this fixture as Barcelona (2), to go along with four draws. The last victory for the visitors came in 2007, as Julio Baptista scored a sensational winner late in the first half to clinch a 1-0 triumph. Real also won 2-1 back in 2003, behind goals from Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo (the other one).
Second Quest: Valencia vs. Mallorca
Saturday, 2:00 p.m. EST, ESPN Deportes
Valencia and Mallorca meet in a fascinating encounter on Saturday. Los Che bolstered their record as the best visiting team in La Liga last weekend in Pamplona, but will seek to improve their home form, as they have already drawn three games at the Mestalla this season. Mallorca could be just the right opponent.
Despite an impressive start to the campaign – Mallorca currently sits in sixth place, four points behind Valencia for the final Champions League spot – Gregorio Manzano’s side is winless away from home. In-form Uruguayan playmaker Chori Castro will look to put a stop to that streak.
For Valencia, Miguel remains in Guti-like purgatory after showing up late for a practice recently. He has not been called up for the last two matches. But midfielder Juan Mata, who was held out of the victory over Osasuna because of a slight calf problem, is said to be completely healthy and ready to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup.
Ladies-in-waiting: Sevilla vs. Malaga
Saturday, 4:00 p.m. EST, Gol TV
Sevilla has done well to stay within reach of Real Madrid and Barcelona, and can reap the benefits of the big two squaring off this weekend, provided Manuel Jimenez’s side doesn’t slip up at home against last-placed Malaga in the Andalucian derby.
The man of the moment for Sevilla is Argentinean winger Diego Perotti, who found the back of the net last week against Tenerife, and continues to attract attention from the rest of Europe. Real Madrid had previously expressed an interest in the 21-year-old, and Arsenal is the latest big club said to be monitoring his progress.
On Saturday, Perotti will make his 30th appearance for Sevilla, triggering a clause in his contract that raises his buyout price to 30 million euros. If he carries on as he is, Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nildo will need to think about doubling that figure to have any shot at retaining the youngster after this season.
Ladies-in-waiting: Atletico Madrid vs. Espanyol
Sunday, 3:00 p.m. EST, ESPN Deportes (tape delay at 4:30)
Atletico Madrid will look to pick up the pieces after the latest excruciating defeat at the hands of Deportivo last week. Quique Flores’ side returns home, and there is no telling what kind of reception the team will receive from supporters who have long gone past frustration and reached a state of delirium.
And yet Sunday’s encounter actually shapes up as eminently winnable against struggling Espanyol, who dropped to 10th place following a 2-0 home loss to Getafe last time out. Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura has been a colossal flop, and Ivan de la Pena is contemplating retirement because of his health issues.
For the hosts, Diego Forlan is expected back in the starting lineup. The Uruguayan began from the bench at the Riazor after returning late from international duty. Forlan will partner Sergio Aguero, who put forth another heroic effort against Deportivo, and is fast becoming a tragic figure at this club.
The Impertinent Curiosity: Other Games
Sporting Gijon vs. Villarreal
Racing vs. Deportivo
Valladolid vs. Tenerife
Real Zaragoza vs. Osasuna
Almeria vs. Athletic Bilbao
Getafe vs. Xerez
David Mosse, Goal.com
For more on Spain click ahead to Goal.com's Spain homepage
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