The highlight of the penultimate round of the Spanish season is the much anticipated clash between Real Zaragoza and Real Madrid; a match that neither side can afford anything but a win.
Zaragoza's ambitions to get into Europe suffered a blow two weeks ago when they lost to a 3-1 defeat at Sevilla. As seen from the table in the previous posting, now Zaragoza has to win the final two tricky games of the season to safely confirm their ticket to the UEFA Cup next term.
Atletico and Villareal have comparatively easier matches this weekend (against Celta Vigo and Athletic Bilbao respectively) while Zaragoza have to face a Real Madrid side who have won nine out of the last ten rounds.
Zaragoza will end their season with a visit to Recreativo Huelva. On paper it might look easy but Zaragoza's atrocious away form has been thier downfall. They have only won once away from home for the whole of 2007 and just four times in the entire season so far.
The one week International break was could be a factor for the internationals of Real Madrid. Injuries and travel fatigue were always the primary concern but on top of that, the two week gap has also interrupted the team's continuous preparations and training sessions, especially amongst the key first teamers. It also interrupted the good run they were on.
Although the bulk of their Internationals came back unscathed, one player hta has been responsible for their great run has come back with bad news. David Beckham suffered a sprained ankle suffered on Wednesday against Estonia has now cast serious doubts over his participation for this weekend's crucial game. Latest news though has mentioned that Beckham will be in the squad travelling to Zaragoza.
If Real gets all three points, they will have one hand on the league trophy. On the final day of the season, they play host to Mallorca. A game which they will most probably win. Then, a win infront of their own Santiago Bernabeu crowd will guarantee them the league title, regardless of how Barcelona and Sevilla fare.
If they triumph this weekend and the other results go their way (if both Barcelona and Sevilla fail to win) then they will be crowned champions for the 30th time. On the flip side, if they falter at Zaragoza, they could potentially hand the initiative - and possibly even the title - over to either of their rivals.
Lets travel back into time. It was at this weekend almost exactly 20 years ago that Real Madrid clinched their 22nd league championship after beating Zaragoza at the Romadera in the second last match of the 86/87 season. It's an eerily identical situation two decades later and Madrid will be hoping that history will repeat itself.
Zaragoza however has a great home record. They have won an impressive 12 times in their own backyard and lost just twice. It's the fourth best home record this season only behind Sevilla, Barcelona and Valencia.
Madrid, however, performed well at Zaragoza. Barring the 6-1 defeat in the Copa del Rey last year, they have only lost once in their last ten league visits to La Romadera. And of the last five, the capital club have won twice, lost once and drawn the other two.
FORM GUIDE
Real Zaragoza: They've only won twice in their last seven games and both were against teams at the wrong end of the table.
Sevilla vs Real Zaragoza 3-1
Real Zaragoza vs Athletic Bilbao 4-3
Valencia vs Real Zaragoza 2-0
Real Zaragoza vs Racing Santander 0-0
Osasuna vs Real Zaragoza 2-2
Real Madrid:
Won their last seven matches. While they have conceded more goals compared to previous months, they've also scored more, averaging over 3 per game.
Real Madrid vs Deportivo La Coruña 3-1
Recreativo Huelva vs Real Madrid 2-3
Real Madrid vs Espanyol 4-3
Real Madrid vs Sevilla 3-2
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid 1-4
TEAM NEWS
Real Zaragoza
Ex-Madrid rightback Carlos Diogo is suspended after his double yellow card earned him an early bath against Sevilla two weeks ago. Centreback Sergio Fernandez is doubtful for the clash. Gerard Pique to step in.
Albert Celades and Jose Movilla will contest for a place in the midfield while promising young Spaniard Sergio Garcia, recently rewarded with a contract extension, should get the nod once again ahead of Ewerthon to partner Diego Milito upfront.
PROBABLE STARTING XI:
Cesar
Chus, Gabriel Milito, Pique, Juanfran
D'Alessandro, Movilla, Zapater, Aimar
Sergio Garcia, Diego Milito
Real Madrid
David Beckham is the only player who returned with an injury and his role in the squad will not be determined until the 11th hour, although it is widely tipped that he will be fit enough to take part.
Should Beckham fail to make it, Gonzalo Higuain will be ready. Fernando Gago and Emerson are expected to fight it out for a place alongside Diarra in midfield.
Fringe players Raul Bravo, Antonio Cassano and understudy goalkeeper Diego Lopez are the only other injury worries.
PROBABLE STARTING XI:
Casillas
Torres, Cannavaro, Sergio Ramos, Carlos
Beckham/Higuain, Diarra, Gago/Emerson, Robinho
Raul, van Nistelrooy
KEY PLAYERS
Real Zaragoza
The Argentine connection will be the key. Attacking midfielder D'Alessandro and Pablo Aimar has been impressive in the last few games. The club's leading scorer Diego Milito, has been struggling with goals; netted just once in his last seven outings. But with Madrid's defence looking a little suspect lately, the 27 year old will be an ever-present danger. Also, don't discount captain and defender Gabi Milito to come back and haunt the club that once rejected him.
Real Madrid
Nistelrooy's goal against Deportivo a fortnight ago tied La Liga's record for goals scored in consecutive matches (six) set by Ronaldo. With the opportunity to smash that streak, RVN will be hungry to hit the back of the net again. If Beckham does play, then expect the him to cause some havoc with his crosses. Defender
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