Villarreal have been this season’s revelation in the Spanish first division after emerging as surprise title candidates, but they face a stern test of their credentials tomorrow with a trip to Sevilla.
Manuel Pellegrini’s team have nudged Barcelona from second and are six points behind long-time leaders Real Madrid heading into the home straight.
After selling striker Diego Forlan to Atletico Madrid for 21 million euros (US$32.8 million) in the summer many expected Villarreal to struggle, but they have thrived with Guiseppe Rossi and Nihat firing in the goals.
“We are not talking about titles because Real Madrid is our rival and they have a six-point lead which is a sizeable advantage,” defender Joan Capdevila said. “Our intention is to stay second and we need to be very motivated against a team like Sevilla.”
Sevilla, five points short of a Champions League place, have tasted defeats in their last two big matches against Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.
Reigning champions Real have been far from convincing this season but they are in the box seat to retain the championship and need six wins from the remaining eight matches to reach their target.
“We know there are eight games left and we need 18 points to take the title,” goalkeeper Iker Casillas said. “We have taken an important step against Sevilla but the key is the next three matches.”
Real’s first away stop is freescoring Real Mallorca today. Mallorca knocked Real out of the Kings Cup but lost the first league fixture 4-3.
Mallorca hot-shot Daniel Guiza, who has scored 17 league goals, is hoping to get one over on his old coach Bernd Schuster, who he worked with at Getafe.
“I hope Real win the league but they lose here on Saturday,” Guiza said. “We scored three at the Bernabeu, so why can’t we do that on Saturday?”
Barcelona will hope Guiza and his teammates can turn Real over before their home match against Getafe tomorrow.
Last weekend’s collapse against Real Betis — they lost 3-2 after leading 2-0 — saw Barca slip seven points behind Real and their angry fans vented their frustration.
“I feel for Barcelona because two years ago everyone was very good and now they say that [Frank] Rijkaard is a disaster and the players are no good,” Casillas said. “It shows how football can be.”
Rijkaard gained some breathing space on Tuesday when his side defeated Schalke 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final and is trying to stay calm over talk of his imminent exit.
“What they are saying doesn’t affect me much,” Rijkaard said.
Getafe have already beaten Barca 2-0 in the league this season and old boy Michael Laudrup, who took over in the summer, is hoping for a double.
With the top three out on their own, a race for the final Champions League berth has now begun.
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