Wednesday, 2 February 2011

Preview: Real Madrid vs Sevilla

Three months since kicking off their Spanish Cup run, Real Madrid are only one step away from the coveted final. There is no margin for error for either side during the ninety minutes that remain.

Real Madrid and Sevilla shields

Despite their lackluster 0-0 draw against Real Murcia to open the competition, it was evident the Whites wanted this competition… And badly. The same can be said for Jose Mourinho. “I won the Cup in Portugal, England and Italy and now I want to win it in Spain” declared the Madridista boss.

Over the last few months, Real Madrid have left Murcia, Levante and Atletico by the wayside and they are close to doing the same with Sevilla. Heading into Wednesday’s match with a 0-1 advantage produced at the Sanchez Pizjuan, things bode well for Real, who have always gone on to win Copa ties after leading the first leg by said score line.

With Marcelo fully recovered from the flu, Mourinho will have every healthy player available to play. Only Pepe and Higuain remain injured and out of action. Jose Mourinho left out of the squad for the Cup match against Sevilla, Fernando Gago and Pedro León for fighting after a workout. It happened during the training session on Monday.

The current Cup champions are forced to play until the last gasp. They understand how difficult it will be to turn around a 0-1 deficit, especially in a stadium that hasn’t allowed any team to leave with points in tow all season.

Gregorio Manzano has brought his entire squad to the Spanish capital, including newcomers Medel and Rakitic. Only the injured Guarente, Dragoutinovic and Kone remained behind, while Palop must watch from the stands while serving a one-match suspension.