Previews: Iniesta back to boost Barca
Reuters - Thursday 10 September 2009, 06:27
MADRID - Andres Iniesta's return to
fitness after three months out with injury is a welcome boost
for champions Barcelona before their trip to early pace-setters
Getafe in La Liga on Saturday.
The treble winners were shown to be vulnerable after breaks
for internationals last season, and with lingering doubts over
the strength in depth of their squad this time round, a visit
to giant-killing specialists Getafe is a tough assignment.
"Iniesta's return is very important for the team as he is a
unique player of outstanding quality. He can decide a game on
his own," Barca defender Maxwell told a news conference.
"It's difficult to work when there are so many players away
and it is possible that Getafe have the advantage. But we
aren't looking for excuses."
Madrid-based Getafe flirted with relegation last year but
under former Spain and Real Madrid midfielder Michel, they have
undergone a rapid transformation.
Since losing his opening game at the helm last April, they
are unbeaten in 15 consecutive matches between the end of last
season, pre-season friendlies, and their opening day thrashing
of Racing Santander 4-1.
Real Madrid proved they were a work in progress in their
laboured 3-2 home victory over Deportivo Coruna, and will be
seeking an improvement away to Espanyol on Saturday.
NEW STADIUM
It will be a momentous day for the Barcelona-based hosts
who will be playing their first competitive match in their new
stadium Cornella-El Prat.
It will be an emotional one as well, as they play their
first league game in front of their own fans since the sudden
death of defender Dani Jarque from a heart failure last month.
"It's a big game for us, it fills us with motivation, and
we are going to give our all for it to be a great encounter,"
Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino said.
Real have Spain full back Sergio Ramos back in contention
after three months out with tendinitis.
One match in and Atletico Madrid's board are already on the
defensive ahead of Saturday's visit of Racing Santander.
Their 3-0 defeat at Malaga quickly wiped away the joy at
having qualified for the group stages of the Champions League
last month.
Fans unhappy with the side's failure to make any
significant moves in the transfer market, particularly after
having achieved their place in Europe's elite competition, are
planning protest demonstrations at the Calderon.
"Before they criticised us for signing too many players,
now they say we don't sign enough. I don't understand it,"
president Enrique Cerezo told Spanish state radio.