Auxerre face Europa League qualification test versus
Real Madrid
Character Proven:
Jose Mourinho and his men have already locked in top spot in Group G but will still be looking to lift their morale after a difficult spell by defeating the struggling French side Auxerre who have not been much impressive in the European Cup.
After losing to their greatest rivals Barcelona by a shocking five goals last weekend, Real Madrid managed to win their latest La Liga match against Valencia by two goals. Real Madrid’s talismanic and World’s most expensive player, Cristiano Ronaldo scored
twice against Valencia which helped Los Blancos step close to Barcelona in La Liga title race.
Real Madrid were reduced to 10 men midway through the second half. Los Blancos' defender, Raul Albiol commented after the Valencia game that their win over Valencia has proven that Real Madrid have the character to win the title this season.
Albiol said, “It was very important to get the points to stay very close in the standings. With an early goal, things would have been easier for us and the fans I personally am very happy to have played. I feel happy.”
Tonight’s match against Auxerre may be a European encounter, but for Madrid there are vital fixtures ahead. Keeping in touch with the La Liga champions is of supreme importance at this point in time and so it’s likely that Real Madrid boss will reserve many
of his best players for the weekend fixture, allowing the fringe men to stretch their legs in this encounter.
Gonzalo Higuain, Kaka, Fernando Gago, Sergio Canales, Sami Khedira and Angel Di Maria are all sidelined due to injuries. Moreover, former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso and his current team partner Sergio Ramos both are serving bans for getting red cards
in the last match against Ajax.
Goalkeepers: Adam, Dudek
Defenders: Arbeloa, Albiol, Mateos, Carvalho, Pepe, Marcelo, Garay
Midfielders: Mahamadou Diarra, Barn, Oezil, Lassana Diarra, Pedro Leon
Forwards: Morata, Sarabia, Benzema, Ronaldo
Difficult Times:
The struggling French side will visit one of the best stadiums in the world, Bernabeu, with the hopes of qualifying for Europa League. To qualify for another European competition, Europa League; Auxerre will have to pick up maximum points against their opponents
who will not bow readily.
The Burgundy men's recent form has been largely lamentable too. Recently, they drew against Racing Club de Lens, who are battling relegation in French Ligue 1. However, this draw saved Auxerre from a third consecutive defeat.
Auxerre coach Jean Fernandez said, “We equalized from a corner that should never have been awarded. We were lucky. Yet again we’ve conceded a header from a set-piece. That never happened to us last season when we had the best defence in the league and it’s
happening far too often this campaign. The draw is precious for our confidence before travelling to Real Madrid on Wednesday.”
Most of the Auxerre players are injured and will miss the trip to Bernabeu. With a few resources, Auxerre have been unable to acquire a deep squad and are simply muddling along the best as possible at present. If they were to attain even a point on Wednesday,
it would be a colossal boost to the team.
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