Previews
SÁB 07.03.2015
Athletic Club and Real Madrid will meet each other this Saturday in what promises to be one of the most exciting games of week 26 in the Liga BBVA.
The Basque side could hardly head into the game in better sprints as they sealed their place in the Copa de S.M el Rey final after seeing off RCD Espanyol in the semi-finals. The Rojiblancos also want to continue their two-game winning streak in the Liga BBVA. They will be against a Madrid side looking to get back to winning ways after drawing 1-1 with Villarreal CF, which is vital if they want to stay at the top of the table.
Team news
Athletic will be without goalkeeper Iago Herrerín, who suffered a muscular injury in the cup match at Espanyol. Ander Iturraspe meanwhile is still recovering from a knee injury and Mikel San Joséis suspended. Real Madrid are still without injured players James Rodríguez and Luka Modrić.
View from the dugouts
Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde said the Rojiblancos are well prepared for the game because they have been "playing vital games for the last few weeks", but he knows that Real Madrid never let their guard down. "They are the leaders and we have to show them the respect they deserve. We have no doubt of their firepower".
His opposite number Carlo Ancelotti recognised the difficulty of the league match at Athletic, acknowledging that "winning at San Mamés is always difficult and we will have to make the biggest effort possible".
© LALIGA - 2015