FC Zenit VS Real Madrid | Champions League Preview
Monday, 29 September 08, 06:53 AM · Comments (10)
FC Zenit vs Real Madrid | 30/09/2008 20:45 CET | Petrovsky Stadium | Champions League
Real Madrid take on FC Zenit, the Russian club who won last year's UEFA Cup and the European Super Cup after they beat Manchester United 2-1.
However, this year, they have sucked both in their domestic league and in the Champions League, at least, so far.
In the domestic league, they are sixth in the table with 14 points. In the Champions League, they lost to Juventus and will likely be beaten by Real Madrid tomorrow night If Bernd Schuster's men focus and don't underestimate them.
Having said that, I think it is going to be a very difficult match. They are the only Russian team Europe is talking about. Whether it is due to Arshavin or the whole team, we shouldn't care, though we need to win this match no matter how.
We have snatched three points so far but not in "style". We have Juventus ahead as well, who are one of Europe's best clubs and are always a tough opponent. Therefore, tomorrow's match is the key to going through to the next stage. I know it is too early, but winning this match will mean a lot and will help us relax.
Lineup
Fabio Cannavaro returns to the squad after being rested against Real Betis. This time Salgado and Metzelder will not travel and stay in Madrid. In addition to those two folks, Gago, Sneijder and Guti will also miss the match due to injury.
The rest of the team is healthy and ready to play. I think Schuster will lineup his best men in defense. He will use Ramos on the right, Pepe and Cannavaro in central defense and Heinze on the left.
In midfield, I believe we will see the same one we saw against Betis. De La Red and Diarra in central midfield and VDV & Robben on the wings.
Upfront, Rau'l and Van Nistelrooy - end.
Prediction
Once again, I stress it is going to be tough. But, you know what, we'll beat 'em. The score is going to be ehm, 3-2. Rau'l scores the opener, Nistelrooy the second and VDV wrap it up.
Whats your thoughts, prediction and lineup?
Hala Madrid!
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Reply to Araz:
Ruud and Higi
1 2 madrid
I agree with you about the gol scorers. But I think it would be a hard game. Zenit are good squad with planty individuals. And they play a good and fast footbal, and I think that they will not be oriented on defence.
The line-up is good, but Higuain should start upfront though, the kid is so high-spirited these days. But leave the offense, since i think we're excellent in our offense right now, but about the defense? i don't know what happen with our defense and saint Iker, but our opponents kept scoring against us, and this is not good, since we can't kept depending in our offense,hopefully the defense will recover soon, because i really hope casillas can perform much better, so he can win the zamora again 
Reply to MadridIndo:
The line-up is good, but Higuain should start upfront though, the kid is so high-spirited these days. But leave the offense, since i think we're excellent in our offense right now, but about the defense? i don't know what happen with our defense and saint Iker, but our opponents kept scoring against...
That's the thing you see, everyone thinks Casillas ain't performaing whereas that's totally absurd, he's phenomenal and makes those near-impossible saves every match. But the problem is that because of the defence Casillas is caught in hard positions and is left stranded, he can't save every shot. Imagine if our defence had not conceded so much, would people be criticizing him, they wouldn't. Casillas is the best goalkeeper in the world, for me he's way past Cech and has a nick over Buffon. Saint Iker never lets us down 
Hala Madrid!
the line-up is great, but marcelo should start from the begining of the game because he will be very useful and will help our offense a lot .
however, our players must be careful and play seriously because our opponents are good and they can surprise us just like they did to MU.
ZENIT 0:2 REAL MADRID
RUUD
HIGI
i wish i am right
HALA MADRID!
madrid should win but it won't be a walkover arhavin is upset so zenit are upset
i'd say 2-0 to madrid
10 Madridistas have commented on "FC Zenit VS Real Madrid | Champions League Preview" · Add yours
I pretty much agree with your line-up although i feel Schuster will start with Marcelo(despite his sending-off on Saturday) instead of Heinze.
I think we should win this. Zenit are a good side no doubt but we're better. If we can play to our potential(or close enough) i feel we should win this one. Especially as Van Der Vaart and Robben are excellent counter-attack players and will cause the Zenit backline problems.
My prediction: Zenit 1-2 REAL MADRID. Ruud & Ramos.
HALA MADRID!!!
To be honest I expect a very strong rival playing at home and a very tough match!We could win but You never know with those surprising teams like Zenit is in cold Russia!!Vamos