Real look for more Guti inspiration to reel in Barca
Saturday, 6 February 2010
MADRID, Feb 5 (AFP): After ending their 19-year jinx at the Riazor Stadium with last weekend's 3-1 win over Deportivo La Coruna, Real look to keep their perfect home record intact with victory over Espanyol Saturday and try to make inroads into Barcelona's five-point lead at the summit.
Real veteran Guti (33) has been the talk of the Madrid media after his audacious back heel -- which has been replayed constantly on Spanish television this week -- set up Real's standout goal against Depor and the club hope he can produce more moments of magic as they attempt to overtake Barca.
Barcelona have notched up four consecutive wins without conceding a goal and entertain Getafe at Camp Nou Saturday before Real take to the field against Espanyol.
"It was important for us to lift the Depor curse and the league is far from over," said Guti. "Barcelona don't seem to drop any points so we can't afford to make any mistakes."
Guti looked to be on his way out of the club following a rift with coach Manuel Pellegrini earlier in the season but that now seems to be water under the bridge and the playmaker is even dreaming of making Spain's World Cup despite winning the last of his 15 caps back in 2005.
Real will again be without Cristiano Ronaldo as the Portuguese striker completes his two-match suspension but a perfect 30 points from ten league games at home make Madrid strong favourites for the win despite his absence.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world but we are a team and can't rely on one player," said defender Raul Albiol.
Real veteran Guti (33) has been the talk of the Madrid media after his audacious back heel -- which has been replayed constantly on Spanish television this week -- set up Real's standout goal against Depor and the club hope he can produce more moments of magic as they attempt to overtake Barca.
Barcelona have notched up four consecutive wins without conceding a goal and entertain Getafe at Camp Nou Saturday before Real take to the field against Espanyol.
"It was important for us to lift the Depor curse and the league is far from over," said Guti. "Barcelona don't seem to drop any points so we can't afford to make any mistakes."
Guti looked to be on his way out of the club following a rift with coach Manuel Pellegrini earlier in the season but that now seems to be water under the bridge and the playmaker is even dreaming of making Spain's World Cup despite winning the last of his 15 caps back in 2005.
Real will again be without Cristiano Ronaldo as the Portuguese striker completes his two-match suspension but a perfect 30 points from ten league games at home make Madrid strong favourites for the win despite his absence.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world but we are a team and can't rely on one player," said defender Raul Albiol.