Ronaldo has failed to score in his last three games and reacted angrily when Arbeloa scored Real’s third goal in Real’s last match against Almeria. PHOTO: AFP
MADRID: European champions Real Madrid will need to inflict Sevilla’s first home defeat in over 13 months to realistically maintain their bid for the La Liga title when they visit the Sanchez Pizjuan on Saturday.
Los Blancos trail Barcelona by two points at the top of the table with four games remaining and have to contend with the daunting trip to Andalucia just four days before they travel to face Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
However, Sevilla are also desperate for the points as they battle with Valencia for the fourth Champions League spot for next season.
“It will be very difficult, like all the games we have left,” admitted Real captain Iker Casillas. “Our most important game right now is on Saturday. It is against a very strong team at home, who have been solid all season. Moreover, they are fighting for the Champions League places and are in the semi-finals of the Europa League.”
Madrid should be boosted by the return of Gareth Bale from a calf injury, but Karim Benzema won’t be risked ahead of the trip to Turin in midweek.
Sevilla beat Madrid at home last season at the beginning of their unbeaten run with Carlos Bacca scoring twice in a 2-1 victory.
The Colombian bagged another brace as Sevilla stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight games with a 3-1 win at Eibar on Wednesday and is confident home support can drive them onto another big three points. “At home we have been playing very well. It is a great game and with our fans there is great excitement,” said Bacca. “We are getting closer to our objectives and we need to fight for them. We need to win all the remaining games. At home we beat them last season, I don’t see why we can’t again.”
On the other hand, Barcelona have a far easier task as they travel to rock bottom Cordoba, who could be mathematically relegated.
Cordoba are 11 points from safety and their return to the top-flight after a 43-year absence will come to an end unless they pull off a monumental upset at the Nuevo Arcangel.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid can strengthen their hold on third place when Athletic Bilbao visit the Vicente Calderon.
Fernando Torres’ winner at Villarreal in midweek ensured Diego Simeone’s men remain on course for a direct return to the Champions League next season and the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker could be rewarded with a start ahead of the misfiring Mario Mandzukic.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 2nd, 2015.
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