Madrid, Feb 25 (DPA) Real Madrid will be looking to bury the ghost of Tenerife Saturday – and maintain the pressure on Spanish leaders Barcelona.
It was in Tenerife’s little Esatdio Heliodoro Rodriguez that Real dramatically lost two consecutive league titles on the last day, in 1992 and 1993.
Ironically, Real’s present-day general director Jorge Valdano was coach of Tenerife back then.
On Wednesday, he admitted that “Tenerife has very special memories for me,” but added that “obviously I want a Real Madrid victory on Saturday.”
Cristiano Ronaldo and company have won all 12 of their home matches but have stumbled on their travels, losing three away games and drawing two others.
Lassana Diarra and Guti are fit again, but Royston Drenthe and Karim Benzema are doubtful.
Tenerife are second from bottom and in clear danger of making a quick return to the second division. Striker Nino said on Wednesday, with regard to Real, that “we have a difficult bull in front of us.”
Real are just two points behind Barca, who should have few problems later on Saturday at home to Malaga.
According to the Catalan media Thursday, Pep Guardiola is considering giving a rest to Lionel Messi, who has looked lacklustre in recent weeks.
Dani Alves might be ready to return, though Eric Abidal is still not fit.
Also Saturday, Getafe are at home to lowly Zaragoza. The tension in Zaragoza boiled over on Wednesday when Jermaine Pennant turned up late for training for the third time in a fortnight – and was sent packing by angry coach Jose Gay.
The big game on Sunday will bring together unpredictable Atletico Madrid at home to third-placed Valencia. Both teams might be tired after their Europa League exertions on Thursday.
Fourth-placed Sevilla – who are in good heart after Wednesday’s 1-1 draw away to CSKA Moscow – will play hosts to Athletic Bilbao.
Forwards Luis Fabiano and Diego Capel, who missed the Moscow trip with muscle pulls, might be fit to return.
Sevilla are four points ahead of fifth-placed Deportivo Coruna, who are away to Villarreal.
Sunday’s other games are as follows: Xerez-Espanyol, Valladolid-Mallorca, Sporting Gijon-Osasuna and Racing Santander-Almeria.
rounak