Saturday, January 21, 2012

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22.01. (Sun) 21:30 Real - Athletic Bilbao

Ronaldo, real madrid Vs barcelona
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PROBABLE LINEUPS

REAL MADRID


Casillas
Arbeloa, Ramos, Carvalho, Coentrao
Xabi Alonso, Diarra
Callejon, Ozil, Ronaldo
Benzema

ATHLETIC BILBAO


IraizozIraola, Martinez, Amorebieta, Aurtenetxe
Iturraspe, Ander
Susaeta, De Marcos, Muniain
Llorente

Jose Mourinho has a few selection issues going into the game at Santiago Bernabeu. Pepe looks set to miss two weeks of action after picking up a hamstring strain in the Clasico during the week.


There are also some doubts over the fitness of Sami Khedira, who sprained his ankle in the match against Malaga, and Angel Di Maria, who picked up an injury in training.
Alvaro Arbeloa returns from his suspension and should slot in at right-back, while Jose Callejon may be given a chance on the right-hand side with Di Maria out injured.
Athletic have a number of players currently being treated for a variety of problems. Aitor Ocio, Carlos Gurpegi, Xabi Castillo, Igor Martinez, and Igor Gabilondo are all currently undergoing physiotherapy, and all are doubtful.
Fernando Amorebieta has a minor sprain in his left ankle and trained apart from his team-mates during the week , but is likely to be included in the starting XI for this huge match.


DID YOU KNOW?
  • The last time Real Madrid played Athletic Bilbao, Jose Mourinho's side came away with a 3-0 away victory at San Mames, with Kaka grabbing a brace and Cristiano Ronaldo scoring to seal the win.
  • Iker Casillas will make his 600th appearance for Real Madrid in this match.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo has scored just five goals less than the entire Athletic Bilbao squad so far this season in La Liga. The Portuguese has netted 21 times and the Basque outfit have scored 26 times.
  • Athletic Bilbao are currently in fifth place in La Liga on 26 points, just four away from the coveted Champions League positions.
  • The Basque side last defeated Real Madrid in January 2010, thanks to an early Fernando Llorente goal which gave them a narrow 1-0 victory.
  • Llorente is Athletic's top goalscorer this season with seven goals in 14 appearances.
Prediction
Athletic Bilbao are in a decent run of form, but Madrid remain formidable at home despite their inability to defeat rivals Barcelona. They should record victory and maintain their advantage over their rivals.
Editor's Prediction
Real Madrid 2-0 Bilbao