Real Madrid’s hunt for the 2011/12 La Liga title will commence at La Romareda. The reigning Copa del Rey champions will begin the season with a match against Real Zaragoza.
“The first league match is always complicated and special. There are often surprises at the start of championships and things are even more difficult when you play away from home,” said Jose Mourinho at a press conference on Saturday.
“Zaragoza are a difficult team to face. […] They defend well and pull off fast counterattacks. I like their stadium because it has a great atmosphere.”
Summer transfer signing will partner in midfield with Xabi Alonso while Mesut Özil’s first XI position has been confirmed. Kaka, who hasn’t missed a single training session according to Mourinho, will start the game from the bench but he might feature as a substitute.
However, Real Madrid fans will have to wait a bit longer before witnessing Sahin’s Spanish Primera Division debut. The ex-Borussia Dortmund player—like Sami Khedira and Hamit Altintop—remains sidelined through injury.
Talking about Real Zaragoza, they finished 13th in La Liga last season. After suffering a few humiliating results, they surely know what it means to be overpowered by Florentino Perez’s new era of Galacticos. But Sunday night’s encounter will mark a new beginning in La Liga—not only for Madrid but for Zaragoza too.
Nigerian striker Ikechukwu Ike might give problems to Los Blancos’ defense. The hosts could also count on on-loan midfielder Pablo Barrera to produce an inspirational performance in midfield. The 24-year-old and 2011 Gold Cup winner has been named alongside Lafita and Ponzio for Zaragoza’s 2011/12 Spanish Primera Division opener.
The Real Zaragoza vs Real Madrid fixture will kick off at 11:00am PST, 2:00pm EST, 6:00pm GMT and 8:00pm local time on Sunday, August 28.
“Zaragoza are a difficult team to face. […] They defend well and pull off fast counterattacks. I like their stadium because it has a great atmosphere.”
Summer transfer signing will partner in midfield with Xabi Alonso while Mesut Özil’s first XI position has been confirmed. Kaka, who hasn’t missed a single training session according to Mourinho, will start the game from the bench but he might feature as a substitute.
However, Real Madrid fans will have to wait a bit longer before witnessing Sahin’s Spanish Primera Division debut. The ex-Borussia Dortmund player—like Sami Khedira and Hamit Altintop—remains sidelined through injury.
Talking about Real Zaragoza, they finished 13th in La Liga last season. After suffering a few humiliating results, they surely know what it means to be overpowered by Florentino Perez’s new era of Galacticos. But Sunday night’s encounter will mark a new beginning in La Liga—not only for Madrid but for Zaragoza too.
Nigerian striker Ikechukwu Ike might give problems to Los Blancos’ defense. The hosts could also count on on-loan midfielder Pablo Barrera to produce an inspirational performance in midfield. The 24-year-old and 2011 Gold Cup winner has been named alongside Lafita and Ponzio for Zaragoza’s 2011/12 Spanish Primera Division opener.
The Real Zaragoza vs Real Madrid fixture will kick off at 11:00am PST, 2:00pm EST, 6:00pm GMT and 8:00pm local time on Sunday, August 28.
