Cautious Albiol sees Real test

Raul Albiol believes Real Madrid must beware the wounded animal when they travel to bottom club Real Zaragoza on Saturday.

Zaragoza sit at the foot of the La Liga table with just one win and nine points to show for their 14 games played this season.

Despite being winless in their last five, Albiol maintains that a Zaragoza side already playing for survival at this early stage pose a uniquely difficult prospect.

“A team that is in relegation is always more dangerous because, playing in their stadium, playing against Real Madrid, they are going to give their best to earn points,” Albiol said.

“It is going to be a tough match, like last season was.”

Real Madrid go into the match looking to atone for the first league defeat of the season last Monday – a humiliating 5-0 reverse away to arch-rivals Barcelona.

While Barca’s win sent them top ahead of their beaten opponents, both sides are already pulling clear of the chasing pack, with Albiol admitting the season is shaping as another two-horse race.

“I think that … yes, it could be a league of two,” Albiol said.

“Like last season was. Both teams had a lot of points.”

“Villarreal is the only one that is coming closer; I think that if we carry on winning – both Barcelona and Real Madrid – the league could be like last season, the team that made less mistakes will win.”

“The return match could be the key.”

The headlines in Spain have been dominated by news that all three of the shortlisted players for the FIFA Ballon d’Or hail from Barca, with Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta vying for football’s top individual honour.

Albiol put in a word for Real captain Iker Casillas, who was arguably the top performing goalkeeper in the world last season.

Casillas and Albiol were both members of the Spain side that won the World Cup in South Africa and the outfield player believes his teammate deserved to be considered for the prestigious award.

“I would have selected Iker Casillas. I think that he was fundamental in the World Cup. I think that his saves helped us winning the Cup. I would like to have seen him on the shortlist.”