But in Spain, a country that has already secured its passage for South Africa 2010, the focus will solely be on the return of the exciting Spanish Primera La Liga.
In the capital on Saturday evening, all eyes will turn to the action that will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid host Racing Santander.
The much-anticipated return of the formerly-injured Cristiano Ronaldo and the awkward condition in which Racing Santander find themselves are two things that promise to give another tone to this upcoming interesting encounter…
Today, Live Soccer TV’s Angela Asante statistically assesses both teams ahead of Saturday, November 21st.
LSTV’s writer, Angela Asante, takes her time to preview this big clash by providing necessary facts and analyzing a few points…
Atletico Madrid facts
Atletico Madrid are third from bottom above Malaga and Xerez and they are on 7 points.
They are unbeaten at home, but they’ve also won only once this season. That was against Real Zaragoza back in October at the Vicente Calderon stadium.
Real Madrid analysis
A defeat against Sevilla followed by a victory over Valladolid (somehow tarnished by unnecessary defensive mistakes), and then an unconvincing and controversial goalless draw against Sporting Gijon describe the inconsistent run on which Real Madrid are walking at the moment.
The Spanish giants started the season well, but after only eight match-days, pressure is already hitting them hard in the face.
Midweek losers Real Madrid travel to Sporting Gijon later on as La Liga resumes on Saturday.
Los Blancos are looking forward to recovering from their patchy performances which saw them lose 3-2 to AC Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League on Wednesday…
Sporting Gijon Analysis
Bad results against Barcelona (on match-day 1) and Osasuna (late in September) thought to have discouraged Gijon.
In reality, it perhaps gave them good lessons and experiences to rely on.
In Spain, Real Madrid host Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabeu and Manuel Pellegrini’s men will be keen to bounce back from the 2-1 defeat which they suffered in the hands of Sevilla before the international break.
Lass Diarra back but six players to be missing
Los Blancos will have to deal with the absence of the phenomenal Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese winger, who featured for his country against Hungary, is set to spend up to one month on the sidelines.