The Santiago Bernabeu

By: Cesar | April 20th, 2007

Playing Real Madrid at the Bernabeu is always a special occasion.

The home of Los Merengues is the Cathedral of Spanish Football (with all apologizes to the beautiful Nou Camp). Located in the heart of Spain’s capital city, the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (named after a former Real Madrid club president) has played host to a World Cup Final (1982), the European Cup Final, the pre-cursor to the Champions League (in 1957, 1969 and 1980), and the 1964 European Championship final (1964).

So how have we done in this hallowed ground?

Valencia has visited 71 times, with a stunning 54 losses, 9 draws and only 8 victories (including last year’s 2-1), with 171 goles against and 67 for. Not the greatest record, but … well, it’s pretty horrible, actually.

Tomorrow’s game has the makings of a classic. Both teams need the win, both teams are competing for the championship and places in Europe next season and both teams have an intense, bitter rivalry with each other. We can expect two hungry teams, attacking and running to balls, both cognizant of each other’s deadly weapons. Villa and Morientes for us, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Robinho for them.

David Villa will play tomorrow after leaving practice today with muscular fatigue. He’s been suffering from stomach problems all week. Midfielder Miguel Angulo looks almost certain to miss the clash because of a thigh strain but skipper David Albelda should be back after missing last week’s win over Sevilla due to a knee injury.

On their side, David Beckham is expected to be back in the Real Madrid squad after six weeks out with a ligament injury to his right knee. The former England captain will have eight more opportunities to play for Real in the league before he leaves for the United States and the LA Galaxy.

We build from the back, as we always have. We exploit their weak backline, their penchant for ‘over-defending’ and take the game to them.

This one is a no-brainer to me. Real Madrid has lacked passion and grit all season. They need this but we want it more. What Valencian aficionado doesn’t get up for games against Madrid? We need this and we’ll take it from them. I expect gritty defending, good counter-attack play, strong wing play from Joaquin and David Silva, and a goal from former Merengue Morientes to begin the game. He wasn’t good enough to be a Galactico, but I’m happy he’s with us.

Make this victory #9. Prediction? Valencia 2 Real Madrid 0

No complaints about officiating this time around.