Almeria+Hugol Preview

By: Corey | March 19th, 2009

Real Madrid vs. Almeria
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
Sunday, March 22nd 2009
Jornada 28 GolTV Live 12pm
17:00 GMT, 12:00 Eastern time

Real Madrid takes on Almeria in a bid to keep some pressure on Barcelona in the league, as the Catalan fixtures pile up begins to takes it toll on the squad. This match will also mark the return of legendary Madrid striker Hugo Sanchez, who is now the coach of Almeria. He should be given a standing ovation when he enters the field on Sunday, as the Bernabeu (and Calderon coincidentally) were great admirers of his talents as a player. Now he gets to prove his merit as a coach when he is mid-table side visits after a 2-0 loss to Barcelona, who played a few squad players but still got a result.

Almeria were yet another team that took La Liga by storm after getting promoted. Most of the current league table is populated by team that 10 years ago were simply not in the picture as top flight teams. Almeria, Getafe, Vilarreal and Huelva all had a little La Liga experience, but were never consistently in the top flight. Other teams like Malaga, Gijon, Numancia and Valladolid have bounced back and forth for some time now, and it would be wise to assume that Almeria would not like to suffer the same fate.

Almeria are currently 13th, 5 points above Osasuna and the drop zone. While a loss to Real could be excused, Almeria need to start picking up points if they want to distance themselves from relegation before the final few games of the season. The team has several talented players that could lead them up the table, but they have not clicked as of yet.

I did a preview of Almeria’s players earlier this season here. I think it all still works, but I would like to highlight the obvious threat of one of the most beloved cantera players never to have gotten a chance at Real, Alvaro Negredo.

He is tall, strong and a lethal finisher, something that Huntelaar also personifies. But while I do like Hunter as a player, and am please he has started scoring and playing well with Raul behind him, I have to ask the question, would not have Negredo been a better choice? Simply because Hunter was expensive, and while he may be an excellent player, he is not Spanish, or even more important, not a canterano. Very important facts to fans. Its not Hunter’s fault, so dont think I am attacking him.

Negredo was top scorer of Castilla team in 06/07 season. You would think that the top scorer of your B team, who was 20/21 at the time, would deserve a shot at a first team place the next year. Well not at Real Madrid, so he was sold to Almeria, and has scored 29 goals for them in two season, with more expected this season. He might have not been an immediate success with Real, but the quality is there, so why couldnt our bevy of coaches and scouts recognize it? We need a clear out at the club, not just of the administration, but of alot of the technical staff needs to be shown the door too.

As for Almeria, here is some of the pertinent stas. Click on the pictures to see enlarged views:

Almeria have lost their last two games to Sevilla and Barcelona. They can be excused for that, but before then, Hugo Sanchez had instilled a better playing style for the players in the squad which allowed them to briefly surge up the table to safety. Two straight losses have hurt, but its to be expected against the league leaders and the third place team. A similar loss is to be expected against Real.

They defend higher up the pitch then they use to, and they will pressure teams inside the center circle. With Real moving forward, Almeria will typically hold their line at the top of their box, but if they are in possession expect to see the back line push up to the half way line to keep the game compressed. It also suits the greater attacking emphasis Sanchez has given the team, with Negredo and Uche both scoring often with more support from the midfield.

Besides Negredo, Kalu Uche is certainly a danger man, as he, like his brother at Getafe, always seems to be in the right place at the right time against Real. Pablo Piatti is an obvious threat if he plays, but he has been used off the bench recently. Former canterano Nieto is an option of the bench on the left wing, and Albert Crusat is always a handful for any defender. Almeria also possess a great fullback in Bruno, who has attracted some foreign interest lately, and may be good enough for a cap at some point in the future. His overlapping runs on counter attacks could provide great service for Uche and Negredo to attack.

————–Diego Alves—————
Bruno—-Aciaste—-Pellerano—-Mane
Crusat—Juanito—Corona–Manuel Ortiz
———–Negredo—-Uche————-

Real Madrid News:

Juande Ramos held his third workout of the week on Thursday and began in-depth preparations for Sunday’s match against Almeria. Higuain again remained indoors to continue recovering from a bothersome right quadriceps and was accompanied by Drenthe, who missed the first two sessions this week with a fever. Salgado and Lass weren’t seen outdoors either.

The Madridista coach met with Raul for a brief chat before the captain joined up with the squad for the routine jog and stretching drills. Once completed, players were paired up to work on crosses and long passes, which later gave way to tactical ballwork.

Guti and Cannavaro are completely healthy after missing Tuesday’s workout. Higuain, Salgado, Lass and Drenthe all remained indoors to work out in the gym.

While I think Higuain and Lass will be fine for the match, I wouldnt be surprised to see Higuain on the bench yet again. Despite Robben showing his selfishness against Bilbao more then a few times (other then Huntelaar’s second goal), he is still a dynamic force to our offense. If Juande feels Robben is better off on the bench, I expect to see Higuain on the right then.

Marcelo played well again against Atheltic, so he may very well start, but Sneijder also played well, so with Gago returning, and probably playing, my bet is on Sneijder playing on the left. Lass did the business on his own, so I would prefer to see Guti play alongside Lass, with Sneijder helping out defensively. Cannavaro will return in the center too, despite looking old as balls against Liverpool and Metzelder did half way decent against Bilbao. I say keep him in there and let him prove he is worth the badge.

Torres watch is also in full effect. Heinze was again terrible against Bilbao, but I dont see it happening for Torres.

Game is at 12 on Sunday. I am planning on doing a CoverItLive for the game as it will be on GolTV Live. Be here before 12 to get involved in the CoverItLive and participate! HALA MADRID!!!!

Sneijder Presser:

How is the team preparing for Sunday’s match against Almeria?
Every match we have left is a final. We must win all eleven of them. We are down by six points, which although isn’t much, means we need to continue playing as always and as we have in recent matches. We can win the league if we do.

The team responded after the Champions League disappointment. Can we start believing in the team again?
I think we recovered well after the Liverpool match. We played well against Athletic, but there are eleven finals remaining.

Does the pre-election process affect the team?
I don’t think so. We’re in the middle of the season and that’s all that matters. We must focus on La Liga and not think about anything else.

Barcelona must compete in other competitions. Do you pay much attention to the calendar?
Barcelona still have some tough Champions League matches. We need to beat them at home, but first we need to concentrate on Sunday. We need to win every match that is left, including against Barcelona.

How do you feel after the rut you were in?
I feel great. I played well against Athletic, but it’s too early to say that I’m back. I feel good.

Is there a riff between Huntelaar and Robben?
I haven’t seen anything, I have heard things, but they are fine. There is no problem.

Do you think this season has been unfair to you?
I am pleased with myself when I play well. I’m not if I don’t. I played well against Athletic and need to keep it up until the end of the season. I can say it was a good season if we win the league.