Prediction: Racing Santander vs Real Madrid

5th March 2011

Racing Santander will be looking to continue their six-match unbeaten run when they host mighty Real, although numerous injuries are making life difficult for the hosts. Los Merengues are hoping to improve their away record and keep up with Barca at the top of the standings.

Racing Santander managed to recover from the very poor start of the La Liga campaign and kept raising their form as the season unfolded, and they have been on top of their game during the last few weeks. Marcelino Garcia Toral’s side escaped the danger zone after picking up ten points from last six games and they enter the Real game without any pressure. Racing have gone 10 games without losing at home, so they are obviously looking to extend that run, although that is not going to be easy with all the selection problems they have at the moment. Adrian Gonzalez and Manuel Arana have joined Oscar Serrano and Alexandros Tziolis on the injury list, which means the hosts will be missing almost entire starting midfield area. With key defenders Henrique and Cisma very doubtful, Racing’s six-match unbeaten run is likely to be at a real test on Sunday.

Real Madrid are not willing to give up on the La Liga title even though everyone believes the seven-point advantage is impossible to neutralize, especially when Barcelona are the team leading the race at the moment. Los Blancos were under pressure to beat Malaga after sharing spoils with both Lyon and Deportivo, but they responded in style, winning the game 7:0. The players are now full of confidence and ready to improve their record on the travels that saw them win just one out of last four away games. The absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Gago, Lass and Sami Khedira shouldn’t be a problem in this match, as Real simply have too much quality not to win this game. Karim Benzema should keep his place in the side after scoring a brace against Malaga, while Kaka could also play some part after recovering from injury.

Conclusion

Racing have proven they are very difficult team to beat at home and are currently in a very good form, but the numerous absentees are likely to take the wind out of their sails and help Real win this game. Los Merengues cannot afford to miss such a good chance for an away win.

Verdict: Away win Real Madrid (2)

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Bet365