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R/£ Ronaldo, Messi set to clash in clasico
November 28, 2009 Edition 1
MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are back from injury and will face each other in the clasico derby between Barcelona and Real Madrid, La Liga's most eagerly anticipated match of the early season.
Messi was rested for Barce-lona's 2-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan after injuring his left thigh muscle in league play, while Ronaldo returned from a nearly two-month absence to play about 20 minutes in Madrid's 1-0 win over FC Zurich on Wednesday.
With Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic also recovered from a hamstring injury, tomorrow's match at the Camp Nou has all the ingredients to become a classic, as Madrid hold a one-point lead over the defending champions.
"It's difficult to play against them, but we also have our own weapons and we're going to do things well so that we can get the win," Ronaldo said. "We want to win in the Camp Nou, and we're going to do things well to give ourselves a chance at victory."
Ronaldo, Kaka, Xabi Alonso and Karim Benzema will all be experiencing their first derby after Madrid spent heavily in the off-season to close the gap on Barcelona, who became the first Spanish club to win the league, Champions League and King's Cup titles in one season.
Madrid will be eager to show a better side than in the last meeting, a record 6-2 loss at the Santiago Bernabeu.
But Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini remains troubled by his team's play, even if they have managed to start the season well.
"Of course, their style of play is distinct. They have a clear concept while we're in the midst of searching out a different way from last year," the Chilean coach said. "We're worried because this isn't the style of play we want for the team. It's not the style I like as a coach."
Even without Messi and Ibrahimovic, Barca showed they can easily dominate behind their high-speed passing game orchestrated by Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta.
The duel is the first between Messi and Ronaldo since the Portugal winger's e94-million move from Manchester United.
"I'm very optimistic that Leo will play," said Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, who believed Tuesday's win over Serie A champions Inter would provide an extra boost.
"(Madrid) are leaders, of course, but how would you not expect them to be after spending e270-million?"
Barca's only real injury doubt remains Yaya Toure, who has swine flu, while Madrid midfielder Jose Maria Gutierrez is out with a leg injury.
Today, Sevilla and Valencia will look to take advantage of any potential draw in Barcelona to gain ground. Sevilla play last-placed Malaga and Mallorca visit Valencia.
Madrid lead with 27 points, followed by Barcelona with 26, Sevilla with 25, Valencia with 24 and surprise contenders Deportivo La Coruna, who go to Racing Santander tomorrow, with 22.
Also tomorrow, it's Valladolid v Tenerife, Getafe v Xerez, Almeria v Athletic Bilbao, Zaragoza v Osasuna, and Atletico Madrid v Espanyol. - Sapa-AP
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