[SP] La Liga 2004/05 (11 Viewers)
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Liga Preview : Barcelona-Espanyol
2/28/2005 11:58:00 AM
A full strength Espanyol travel to the Camp Nou to take on a tired looking Barcelona, who were surprisingly happy with their draw against bottom side Numancia. However, Barcelona have won the last 17 editions of this fixture on the trot, and a defeat dates back 23 years, and will still back themselves in a match that re-unites the two Maxi's.
BACKGROUND
Barcelona were clearly uncomfortable against Numancia, albeit in sub-zero temperatures and on an icy surface. One wonders if they would still be celebrating a draw with a bottom side had Real Madrid done better against Deportivo. It is clearly the beginning of the countdown, where any result better that your rivals’ is all that matters. If Real had won their last two matches, the difference would have been a meagre two points. But it is eight, and Real Madrid minus Zidane and Salgado host in form Betis on Wednesday, so the blaugrana could be feeling hopeful.
Barcelona assistant coach Henk Ten Cate has politely refused the offer to coach Ajax after they sacked Koeman, and that will also be a major boost to the Blaugrana ego.
However, Espanyol are much better this season than in the recent past. In fact, they were fourth at the winter break, but lost their way somewhat in the new year, mainly due to injuries to talisman Ivan de la Pena. President Sanchez Llibre mentioned that every year his son thinks they could win in the Camp Nou. And he is 24 and yet to receive his wish (was born the year Espanyol last won here). With Ivan de la Pena fit and set to return, he is more hopeful than before.
IVAN DE LA PENA
The midfield ace is truly in the middle of it all. He almost retired after a difficult spell at Barcelona, but has managed to resurrect his career across the city. So much so, that at 28, he got his first international call for Spain this month, and absolutely sizzled alongside Xavi. He is expected to return to the first team after almost a month, provided he gets over a disciplinary situation.
In order to save him for the derby, he was kept on the bench this week-end, but argued with the referee in the tunnel regarding a denied penalty. A reprimand by the disciplinary committee would mean a fifth yellow and a suspension for the big match. Espanyol, however, are hopeful of leniency.
THE MAXI CONNECTION
After Argentinean Maxi Lopez burst on the scene with his goal against Chelsea, many could be forgiven for overlooking Espanyol’s Maxi. Maxi Rodriguez, also an Argentinean, has scored 10 goals this season, and is Espanyol’s leading scorer. Sensationalists have even labelled it MAXIDERBY. Both played together for River Plate, are good friends, idolize Saviola, and are looking forward to facing each other, although Lopez should start on the bench.
TEAM NEWS
Barcelona : Despite the draw, Rijkaard said he was happy with the team’s performance and attitude. He is expected to name the strongest available line-up for the derby. Beletti faces a race against time after his fall on a frozen pitch at Numancia, and youngster Damia is likely to take his place. Guily is another worry but expected to be fit. Van Bronckhorst should come back after Sylvinho’s night out against Numancia. The midfield will be anchored by the ever improving Marquez, with Deco and Xavi manning him.
Espanyol : Espanyol are practically full strength for this encounter, but weren’t helped when Lopo and de la Pena almost came to blows in training on Sunday, and had to be separated by team-mates. Coach Lotina faces a problem of plenty, as de la Pena’s return could mean ex-Barca man Dani being relegated to the bench. However, he has favoured a 3-man attack of late, and could persist with the same, meaning that Dani
2/28/2005 11:58:00 AM
A full strength Espanyol travel to the Camp Nou to take on a tired looking Barcelona, who were surprisingly happy with their draw against bottom side Numancia. However, Barcelona have won the last 17 editions of this fixture on the trot, and a defeat dates back 23 years, and will still back themselves in a match that re-unites the two Maxi's.
BACKGROUND
Barcelona were clearly uncomfortable against Numancia, albeit in sub-zero temperatures and on an icy surface. One wonders if they would still be celebrating a draw with a bottom side had Real Madrid done better against Deportivo. It is clearly the beginning of the countdown, where any result better that your rivals’ is all that matters. If Real had won their last two matches, the difference would have been a meagre two points. But it is eight, and Real Madrid minus Zidane and Salgado host in form Betis on Wednesday, so the blaugrana could be feeling hopeful.
Barcelona assistant coach Henk Ten Cate has politely refused the offer to coach Ajax after they sacked Koeman, and that will also be a major boost to the Blaugrana ego.
However, Espanyol are much better this season than in the recent past. In fact, they were fourth at the winter break, but lost their way somewhat in the new year, mainly due to injuries to talisman Ivan de la Pena. President Sanchez Llibre mentioned that every year his son thinks they could win in the Camp Nou. And he is 24 and yet to receive his wish (was born the year Espanyol last won here). With Ivan de la Pena fit and set to return, he is more hopeful than before.
IVAN DE LA PENA
The midfield ace is truly in the middle of it all. He almost retired after a difficult spell at Barcelona, but has managed to resurrect his career across the city. So much so, that at 28, he got his first international call for Spain this month, and absolutely sizzled alongside Xavi. He is expected to return to the first team after almost a month, provided he gets over a disciplinary situation.
In order to save him for the derby, he was kept on the bench this week-end, but argued with the referee in the tunnel regarding a denied penalty. A reprimand by the disciplinary committee would mean a fifth yellow and a suspension for the big match. Espanyol, however, are hopeful of leniency.
THE MAXI CONNECTION
After Argentinean Maxi Lopez burst on the scene with his goal against Chelsea, many could be forgiven for overlooking Espanyol’s Maxi. Maxi Rodriguez, also an Argentinean, has scored 10 goals this season, and is Espanyol’s leading scorer. Sensationalists have even labelled it MAXIDERBY. Both played together for River Plate, are good friends, idolize Saviola, and are looking forward to facing each other, although Lopez should start on the bench.
TEAM NEWS
Barcelona : Despite the draw, Rijkaard said he was happy with the team’s performance and attitude. He is expected to name the strongest available line-up for the derby. Beletti faces a race against time after his fall on a frozen pitch at Numancia, and youngster Damia is likely to take his place. Guily is another worry but expected to be fit. Van Bronckhorst should come back after Sylvinho’s night out against Numancia. The midfield will be anchored by the ever improving Marquez, with Deco and Xavi manning him.
Espanyol : Espanyol are practically full strength for this encounter, but weren’t helped when Lopo and de la Pena almost came to blows in training on Sunday, and had to be separated by team-mates. Coach Lotina faces a problem of plenty, as de la Pena’s return could mean ex-Barca man Dani being relegated to the bench. However, he has favoured a 3-man attack of late, and could persist with the same, meaning that Dani
Jonathan Woodgate is set to miss the rest of Real Madrid's season because of injury, BBC Sport has learned.
The 25-year-old has a ruptured tendon as well as a thigh muscle tear.
The England international defender has not played for Madrid since joining the Spanish giants from Newcastle for £13.4m in August 2004.
"Jonathan Woodgate is out for the rest of the season. Medical tests will continue on his injured muscle," said a Real Madrid spokeswoman.
Woodgate, who suffered the injury last April, appeared ready to make his Madrid debut last October but then suffered a recurrence.
Madrid's medical officers reportedly came under pressure from club president Florentino Pérez to rush Woodgate back to fitness.
Woodgate looks likely to undergo surgery in the summer and some reports suggest the injury is more serious than originally diagnosed and could jeopardise the defender's career.
The 25-year-old has a ruptured tendon as well as a thigh muscle tear.
The England international defender has not played for Madrid since joining the Spanish giants from Newcastle for £13.4m in August 2004.
"Jonathan Woodgate is out for the rest of the season. Medical tests will continue on his injured muscle," said a Real Madrid spokeswoman.
Woodgate, who suffered the injury last April, appeared ready to make his Madrid debut last October but then suffered a recurrence.
Madrid's medical officers reportedly came under pressure from club president Florentino Pérez to rush Woodgate back to fitness.
Woodgate looks likely to undergo surgery in the summer and some reports suggest the injury is more serious than originally diagnosed and could jeopardise the defender's career.
