Revenge for a Copa del Rey exit very fresh in the Merengue minds will be on the agenda as Capello’s Real Madrid try to make amends against a resurgent Real Betis side.
Getting Back On Track
Things were looking quite mushy again in the Spanish capital after Madrid’s 2-1 win at San Sebastian last week.
While the optimists will see it as a result that turns the team back on course towards the title, the pessimists will see it as nothing more than a short reprieve for the men in white… especially for their manager, Fabio Capello.
Whichever way you look at it, it was a much welcomed victory that stopped the rot of unacceptable back to back defeats for Los Merengues.
But one player who will view the win as a major turning point in his season is David Beckham. The midfielder made a long overdue return to the starting line up and frosted the icing on the cake with a goal.
The team that are really getting back on track, however, are Real Betis.
Ever since Luis Fernandez arrived at the club to replace Irureta at the end of December, the Andalucians have only lost once in their last nine games in all competitions, although that one defeat was a punishing 5-1 hammering by Osasuna.
But that is still quite an impressive statistic when you consider that they’ve had to play Valencia, Barcelona and Sevilla in the last three weeks. Include all that with their solid results in the Kings’s Cup (eliminating Real Madrid and holding Sevilla to a first leg draw) and you can see just how much they’ve turned their season around.
Mission: Revenge
It is that King’s Cup 5th round elimination to Betis that has sparked sentiments of revenge amongst some in the Bernabeu camp. Goalkeeper Iker Casillas has made it no secret that he wants some measure of reprisal for that elimination when the Andalucians come to town. The Madrid custodian, who was not featured in that Copa match-up said, “Yes, we are looking to get even because many of us had our eyes set on the King's Cup. You really miss being there when you see the final on TV”.
The King’s Cup was indeed, at that stage of the season, Madrid’s only chance of silverware this season. But as much as it is about getting even, what’s even more crucial for them is to secure all three points and take advantage of Barca’s difficult trip to Valencia and Sevilla’s tricky clash with Atletico Madrid.
Mission: Repeat
On the other side of the spectrum, Real Betis will be hoping to repeat their King’s Cup feat and produce another surprise result at the Bernabeu. Their French manager, Luis Fernandez revealed that it wouldn’t be a serious matter at all if they failed to score in Madrid, hinting at the possibility that he may be happy enough to walk out of the Bernabeu with a scoreless draw.
But midfielders Capi and Assuncao, on the other hand, said that they would love nothing more than to capitalize on Madrid’s poor home record this season – and who wouldn’t – and try to win the match with a couple of goals. However, their scoring record against the Whites, as you will see, is not all that hot lately.
Past Encounters
Real Madrid have a strong head to head record against the Verdiblancos. In the past five league meetings, Madrid have won three times and drawn the other two, The last three have seen them keep clean sheets. The only bad taste in the mouth is that Copa del Rey elimination, despite Los Merengues maintaining their unbeaten run against the Sevillians.
In the reverse fixture earlier this season in September, a sole Mohammadou Diarra strike was enough to seal a 1-0 (surprise surprise) win at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera. It was also the match where Brazilian Cicinho tore his anterior cruciate ligament and the right back has been ruled out ever since.
TEAM NEWS
Real Madrid
While one player seems to have patched things up with the coach, another is causing a rustle. Just another typical week in Madrid, one might say. This time, it is Robinho who has come out and voiced his discontent at being left on the bench. While the Brazilian wizard has maintained that he and Capello are not at odds with each other, he has said however, that the Italian tactician does not quite trust him as a footballer.
Diarra continues to be unsettled at the club, admitting that although he is not playing his best football right now, he would not have any problems if Madrid were to sell him at the end of the season. But the Malian looks doubtful to play any part in Saturday’s clash anyway as he has missed training all week due to a slight knock he picked up against Sociedad last week.
Roberto Carlos meanwhile, has made a full recovery after a month long absence from injury and he is desperate to step onto the pitch again. But with the titanic Champions League clash with Bayern just on the horizon, the leftback may well be rested to make sure he doesn’t aggravate his injury. Do expect a cameo appearance, though.
Back-up players Pavon, Meji and Raul Bravo have all shrugged off their minor injuries and they are ready to be called upon if the need arises. Also expect a certain player by the name of David Beckham to make his second consecutive appearance in the starting line up.
Real Betis
Last week’s 'super-derbi' with deadly city rivals Sevilla surprisingly did not produce as many fireworks as previous editions (except for the management fracas up at the VIP box after the game). There were only three yellow cards (one to Betis) while the injury count was fairly low. And manager Luis Fernandez will be thankful for the minimal battle-scars.
Only Arzu suffered a serious injury in that encounter and will be ruled out for the trip to the capital; as will former Milanista Johann Vogel, who injured his knee during a training session although he might have a chance of playing depending on a late fitness test.
Influential midfielder Capi returns from suspension while Nano, Edu, Assuncao and Enrique Romero are also back in the squad, but their participation in the match will not be known until the 11th hour to ensure they are fully match fit.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Real Madrid: Casillas – Sergio Ramos, Helguera, Cannavaro, Torres – Beckham, Gago, Emerson, Guti – Raul, van Nistelrooy
Real Betis: Doblas – Vega, Ilic, Juanito, Rivas – Assuncao, Capi, Lozano, Nano – Sobis, Robert.
Goal.com - Primera Liga Preview: Real Madrid - Real Betis
Primera Liga Preview: Real Madrid - Real Betis
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