Real seek inspiration from past glories
Reuters - Monday 02 May 2011, 02:00
MADRID - Real Madrid are attempting to
revive former glories to inspire them on their mission to
overturn a two-goal deficit at arch-rivals Barcelona in
Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg.
Real's website ran a picture on Sunday
of their players celebrating a 2-0 semi-final first-leg victory
at the Nou Camp in 2002 that paved the way for their ninth and
most recent triumph in Europe's elite club competition.
Zinedine Zidane and Steve McManaman scored that night and
the Spanish giants drew the return leg at the Bernabeu 1-1
before Real beat German side Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 in the final
thanks to Zidane's stunning volley.
"Everyone agrees it will be difficult, but no one gives up
hope," the club wrote.
"This historic precedent is just what Real Madrid need to
have even greater faith in their chances on Tuesday."
Goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas added his voice to the
message of optimism.
"The names of the two teams that will play the final haven't
been inscribed yet," the Spanish World Cup winner said.
"You never know what may happen. We will play in Barcelona
knowing a final is set to take place in a month and that any of
the four teams still in the championship may be in it."
The ill-tempered first leg in Madrid last week, when World
Player of the Year Lionel Messi struck two late goals after Real
defender Pepe had been sent off, resulted in UEFA opening probes
into the two clubs.
They both filed a complaint about the other with European
soccer's governing body, Barca reporting Real coach Jose
Mourinho for belittling his counterpart Pep Guardiola's
achievements and Real accusing the Barca players of play-acting.
COMMON SENSE
Barca president Sandro Rosell sought to ease tension ahead
of Tuesday's clash, urging the club's fans to "show good manners
and common sense."
"Our supporters are a model of good behaviour and I am
asking them to show that again this Tuesday, especially because
all eyes will be on us," he told the club's TV channel.
"I want them to support the team, forget about all the other
stuff and not get provoked."
Barca and Real rested key players and were beaten in La Liga
at the weekend, Barca surrendering the lead and losing 2-1 at
Real Sociedad and Real going down 3-2 at home to relegation
threatened Real Zaragoza.
The results preserved Barca's eight-point lead over Real at
the top with four games left and the Catalans remain firmly on
course for a third successive Spanish league title.
Barca's defence has been ravaged by injuries and their
problems deepened on Saturday when they lost centre-back Gabriel
Milito to a thigh strain and reserve team fullback Martin
Montoya to a fractured clavicle.
There was more positive news on Andres Iniesta's calf injury
when the Spain midfielder, who missed last week's first leg,
took part in Sunday's training session.
HEROIC HABIT
Real will be without Pepe for Tuesday's game and defender
Sergio Ramos is also suspended. Mourinho, who was sent from the
bench for protesting Pepe's dismissal, will have to watch from
the stands.
"Madridismo always believes in comebacks," Real Director
General Jorge Valdano said on Sunday.
"If there was just one team that had the habit of being
heroic, it would be Real Madrid. Nothing should deprive us of
feeling hope and excitement for Tuesday's match."
English Premier League leaders Manchester United will defend
a 2-0 advantage over Schalke 04 when they host the Bundesliga
side in Wednesday's other semi. The final is at London's Wembley
stadium on May 28.
Probable teams:
Barcelona: 1-Victor Valdes; 2-Daniel Alves, 3-Gerard Pique,
14-Javier Mascherano, 5-Carles Puyol; 16-Sergio Busquets,
6-Xavi, 15-Seydou Keita; 17-Pedro, 10-Lionel Messi, 7-David
Villa.
Real Madrid: 1-Iker Casillas; 17-Alvaro Arbeloa, 2-Ricardo
Carvalho, 18-Raul Albiol, 12-Marcelo; 10-Lassana Diarra, 14-Xabi
Alonso, 24-Sami Khedira; 23-Mesut Ozil, 7-Cristiano Ronaldo,
22-Angel Di Maria.
Referee: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium).