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Valencia aim to take advantage of wounded Real
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-03-10 10:33
MADRID, March 10 (Reuters) - Valencia will be looking to inflict further
injury on a wounded Real Madrid when they host their Primera Liga rivals at the
Mestalla on Saturday (kickoff 2100 GMT).
Real waved goodbye to their only realistic hope of a trophy this season when
they went out to Arsenal in the Champions League and their only remaining aim is
to finish ahead of Valencia to take second place to Barcelona in the title race.
The two teams are neck-and-neck in the standings with 51 points and victory
for either side would give them an important edge in the battle to claim the
all-important automatic spot in next season's Champions League.
"It is a very important game for us," Valencia midfielder David Albelda told
Marca on Thursday. "There are three vital points at stake.
"They are in the same position as previous years in that they are not working
together as a team, but they still possess the individual talent to win games."
Following the failure of the Real Madrid old guard to produce the goods
against Arsenal, coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro might choose to start ringing the
changes against Valencia.
Ronaldo's poor form could prompt him to give Italy striker Antonio Cassano
another chance up front, while Brazilian forwards Julio Baptista and Robinho
should return to the fray after being left out of the starting line-up against
Arsenal.
Left back Roberto Carlos is suspended after picking up a booking in last
week's 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid.
MISSED CHANCE
Valencia missed their chance to stay clear of Real when they drew 0-0 with
basement side Malaga last week but they are unbeaten in 15 matches and have had
all week to prepare for the clash.
Leading striker David Villa, who scored when Valencia beat Real 2-1 at the
Bernabeu earlier in the season, will be looking to add to his tally of 15 goals
after going three games without finding the net.
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