THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
MADRID, Spain — Real Madrid’s early season jitters won’t be eased by a tricky Spanish league match at Racing Santander, while FC Barcelona looks to improve on its worst domestic start for 35 years when it travels to Sporting Gijon.
Madrid has won its last two games, including Wednesday’s Champions League victory over BATE Borisov, but even coach Bernd Schuster is questioning his team’s concentration after it eased up against the Belarussian minnows.
Despite having 27 shots Madrid only won the match 2-0.
“I didn’t tell the players to brake and drop back, but the players (decided) yes, so it would be a good question for them,” Schuster told reporters after Wednesday’s win, adding that Madrid would not have the luxury of allowing its concentration to drop when playing more illustrious opponents.
Madrid, which looked lackadaisical in a 4-3 win over Numancia in the previous match, will be without injured midfielders Wesley Sneijder and Fernando Gago for Sunday’s match at the El Sardinero stadium.
“People expect Real Madrid to play good, spectacular football with goals, but the most important thing is the victory,” defender Marcelo said after the victory over BATE. “I don’t know what to say, when we’re on the field we are always thinking about winning.”
Racing is coming off a 1-1 draw at Barcelona as it prepares to face Finnish club Honka in the UEFA Cup on Thursday. Like Madrid, Barcelona has been criticized as a potent attack on paper has struggled to get on the scoresheet.
The Catalans finally scored a goal from open play in their 3-1 Champions League win over Sporting on Tuesday but also missed many chances. It cannot afford such profligacy in La Liga after a winless start to its campaign.
“I don’t care how we play compared to the victory,” said defender Rafael Marquez, who scored the opener against the Portuguese club. “We’re working on all details, and not only free kicks and corners, but especially on the attack.”
Barcelona will be without injured midfielder Alexander Hleb and could also miss defender Eric Abidal against last place Sporting Gijon on Sunday.
A lack of playing time for Bojan Krkic has also left the Spanish press scratching their heads. The 18-year-old Spain striker has played only 37 of a possible 270 minutes this season as coach Pep Guardiola prefers to field newcomer Pedro Rodriguez.
Villarreal is missing Nihat Kahveci to injury while fellow forward Giuseppe Rossi is questionable leaving the door open for striker Jozy Altidore, acquired in the summer from New York Red Bulls, to play against Numancia. The United States striker, who made his league debut last weekend, is well-rested after being left out of Villarreal’s squad for Wednesday’s 0-0 Champions League draw against Manchester United.
Former Liverpool defender Steve Finnan is expected to make his Spanish debut when league leader Espanyol hosts Getafe. Espanyol has a maximum six points from its first two games despite missing playmaker Ivan de la Pena, who is not expected to be fit for Saturday.
Atletico Madrid will look to carry its impressive form in Europe into Saturday’s home match against Recreativo Huelva.
Striker Sergio Aguero scored two goals in a 3-0 thrashing of PSV Einhoven in Atletico’s first Champions League match in 11 years.
In Sunday’s other third round games Almeria hosts Malaga, Athletic Bilbao hosts Valladolid, Sevilla is at Real Betis, Villarreal is at Numancia, Deportivo La Coruna hosts Mallorca and Valencia hosts Osasuna.