La Liga Previews - Villarreal celebrate 2nd spot
Reuters - Friday 09 May 2008, 09:19
Brief news from the Primera Liga
ahead of this weekend's matches:
Villarreal President Fernando Roig has praised his side
for achieving their highest league finish, securing second
place and automatic qualification for the Champions League
group stage next year, with two games left to play.
"One day I hope we can win the title but coming second is
like being champions for us," he said.
Barcelona's Brazilian defender Silvinho will be out of
action for four weeks with a twisted ligament in his right
knee, and joins Ronaldinho, Andres Iniesta, and Gabriel Milito
on the injury list for Sunday's visit of Real Mallorca. Xavi is
suspended.
Samuel Eto'o and Deco return from suspension in a game
where the home fans are likely to vent their anger over the 4-1
drubbing at the Bernabeu against arch-rivals Real Madrid. It
will be coach Frank Rijkaard's last home game at the helm.
Mallorca's Venezuela forward Juan Arango has obtained
dual-nationality, freeing up one of the club's three berths for
non-European Union players.
Striker Daniel Guiza's 25 goals has helped Mallorca
accumulate their highest tally in the Primera Liga of 63, with
two matches left to play, the club said.
Relegation-threatened Real Zaragoza will be without full
back Carlos Diogo for the visit of champions Real Madrid. The
former Real player has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in
his right knee and will be out for six months.
Fourth-placed Atletico Madrid can assure themselves of a
place in the Champions League third-qualifying round for next
season with a victory over Deportivo La Coruna at the Calderon on
Sunday. They will be without suspended defender Luis Perea.
Sevilla midfielder Seydou Keita is set to return for the
city derby away to Real Betis, while the hosts' top scorer,
forward Edu, has recovered from muscle problems and is
available.
Relegated Levante's players have said they will not go on
strike for the city derby at home to Valencia on Sunday out of
respect for their fans, despite promises from the club two
weeks ago to pay up outstanding debts still not being honoured.
"I'm sure there aren't any other people in Spain who have
only received 20 percent of their salary in two years. We won't
accept any more promises," defender Luis Rubiales said.
Writing by Mark Elkington; Editing by Peter Rutherford