Lazio-Real Madrid Preview
By: Taib | October 3rd, 2007
3rd October 2007
7:45pm GMT
Stadio Olimpico
This is the biggest game of the season for us by a long way. Real Madrid is unarguably the biggest club in the world and it is just a dream playing them. We however must not get overawed at the prospect of facing them because primarily we need to win the game. I expect the game to have a friendly atmosphere since both our fan groups have a good friendship so there is good news there. Hopefully no bad things off the field will happen. Lazio and Real Madrid have faced in the Champions League twice before where the first game at the Olimpico finished 2-2 and the game at the Bernabeu ended a 3-1 victory for Real Madrid. I have watched Real Madrid only once this season and that was a simply brilliant 5-0 away win over currently second placed Villarreal. Although Villarreal had a good number of chances they did not take them and were really punished by a very clinical Real Madrid team. Standouts included Sneijder and Van Nisterooij who had maginificent games. That sort of level of play again and it would be almost impossible for Lazio to come away with anything. Of course we have got to stop them scoring and it will be crucial that we do not let them score first. If they score first they will play on a lethal counter attack. We are going to have to be really defensively solid and clinical with the counter attack ourselves as I expect them to dominate possession in the early stages of the game. Fortunately that is what we are good at. I think our inexpierience at the level might be telling. It could harm us very badly.
Lazio biggest worry is the injury to Rocchi after he sprained his ankle in the match on the weeked against Reggina. He declared that he has a 50-50 chance of making and will probably start with a pain killing injection. Siviglia is still out. Behrami returns from suspension.
Lazio Probable Formation 4312
Muslera
De Silvestri–Stendardo–Cribari–Zauri
Mudingayi–Ledesma–Mutarelli
Mauri
Pandev Rocchi
Real Madrid rested Van Nisterooij for the the 1-0 away win over Getafe at the weekend so he will lead the attack along with Raul. Robinho is out injured. Cannavaro has overcome a slight problem and will start in defence partnering Sergio Ramos.
Real Madrid Probable Formation 4132
Casillas
Salado–Ramos–Cannavaro–Heinze
Diarra
Higuain–Guti–Sneijder
Van Niselrooij–Raul
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Category: Team News
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Comments
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Cannot wait for this one. Lazio will face a mighty challenge from Madrid, but who knows? Maybe this can be the game to jump start their CL title push.
Posted from
United States
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You guys dont have a chance, sorry to say.
Posted from
United States -
[...] close to call” is worthy of several belly laughs.) Both Taib and Corey at the Real blog have previews up, and Corey’s partner-in-blog will be live-blogging the match this afternoon, if you’re [...]
Posted from
United States -
Apparently neither did Real.
Posted from
United States -
Corey: Humilty, humbleness and most of all respect. From you it is lacking…We held our own today. I like Real Madrid. They are may favorite Spanish team since I am a Lazio fan after all and we are friends with Real Madrid but some of your fans let themselves down with your stupid arrogant attitude. Still…good game and you are joint top with Olimpiacos so well done.
Posted from
United Kingdom -
Taib, I was with Corey this morning thinking the same thing, and knew the match was gonna be replayed on ESPNClassic this afternoon, so I tried to avoid the scores when they came on. But I did see 2-1 Madrid.
I’m glad I watched it, and admit you guys played well.
Posted from
United States -
Anthony: Yeah, I was pretty suprised myself at how well we played since over this season we havee been playing really poorly. Although I do think Real Madrid could have stepped up to a higher gear but for the most part I think we held our own. We did have some great chances.
Posted from
United Kingdom -
It’s all up to the next match against Bremen. Congratulations on a fantastic match. Lazio played with heart and determination. I think if you can get a victory against Bremen in matchday 3, you have a fantastic chance of actually advancing to the knockout stage. Who would’ve thunk it?
Posted from
United States -
Joe: Yeah, it is suprising though. Most people thought Werder Bremen would be the team to take the second place but for me that looks unlikely now. They have lost their easiest home match and even more worrying looked like their defence was all over the place. I am pretty confident we will scorre so it will be a quaestion of keeping it tight at the back normally something Lazio are very good at.
Posted from
United Kingdom -
Pandev was amazing!Lazio should not let him go to Kiev!I can’t wait for the match in Bremen! Does anyone know how to contact Pandev? I am also a Macedonian from his city, Strumica, and I live in Bremen, and I would like to contact him…any advice?
Posted from
Germany
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