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European Football
Preview - 01 Dec 2007
Live
Scores
Real Madrid vs
Racing Santander. Saturday 19:00.
Racing are underrated here. The Cantabrians are a genuine top
eight side these days, with the best defensive record in La Liga and
unbeaten in eight games. Having guided un-fancied Recreativo to a
top eight finish last season, Marcelino García Toral is in the
process of scaling even greater heights with his new side, as Racing
sit just two points off the Champions League places. This is no
longer a team of unknowns. Goalkeeper Tono is on the verge of a
Spain call-up. Argentinean defender Garay is being eyed-up by
Manchester United and Arsenal. Duscher and Colsa patrol the
midfield, while Munitis, Serrano, Jorge Lopez and Smolarek/Tchite
make up a dangerous front four. Away from home, Racing's only
blemish was a 4-0 defeat at Atletico back in week four. A hugely
flattering scoreline, as the Madrid side ran riot after the visitors
were reduced to ten men with half an hour to play.
So what about Real? We all know they can't defend, but the
performance at Bremen on Wednesday was something of a new low.
Werder tore them to shreds time and time again, exposing the hapless
Marcelo down the right flank. Pepe, playing his first Champions
League game for his new club, looked all at sea alongside the
sluggish Metzelder. The much-criticised 'double-pivot' of Diarra and
Gago had trouble just dealing with journeyman midfielder Daniel
Jensen, who is no Diego. It's hard to imagine what the outcome may
have been if the diminutive Brazilian had been wreaking havoc
through the centre, along with the unheralded Hunt and Rosenborg
down the flanks.
Perhaps it was just an off-day for Schuster's side. Perhaps the
return of Fabio Cannavaro will make a difference. However, Guti is
suspended following yet another bout of petulance at Murcia last
week. The sulky playmaker has been a massive player for los
merengues this season, with his defence-splitting passes. Aside from
a couple of spectacular free-kicks early-on, Wesley Sneijder has
done nothing to justify his expensive price tag. It remains to be
seen whether the Dutchman can step into Guti's shoes and make Real
tick. The sad fact is, Robinho aside, there's nothing much to get
excited about with Schuster's Madrid. Some would say it's a case of
the emperor's new clothes. The double-pivot, the reliance on Robinho,
the anonymity of Raul and the goal-poaching instincts of Ruud Van
Nistelrooy. It's Capello's Madrid Mark II. Except there's no
Beckham. And Capello's Madrid could defend. So far Schuster has got
away with it (offside goals always help, and there's been plenty of
them), but the wheels are starting to come off.
Racing are a supremely well-organised side, and have to be
fancied to take advantage.
Recommendation: 1.5 pts Racing
Santander @ 9/1. Bet 365.
Ilunga
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