Preview: Real Madrid vs Hércules

In his quest to liberate the pressure of the players and to protect the club from all evil (noble intentions) Mourinho highlighted yesterday the dramatic today's game. On the one hand said that means losing a point; to say goodbye to the League. On the other insisted on the perversion of the schedule. He said that there are people who intend (the forces of evil) sentence the championship in the next day when Real Madrid will visit the "Calderon Stadium" just three days after playing in the Champions League.

You have to understand the apocalyptic tone: There are sports reasons that justify this. Included among them are the absences of Cristiano (off the list due to injury) and Carvalho (reserved for the match against Lyon on Wednesday). The absences of RealMadrid invite to think in a team like last week in El Sardinero. A team that played at high level and gave good impressions, but with some doubts. Xabi could have rest as in the first leg of last-16 Champions League. He could be relieved by Khedira or Lass. One of them will play with Granero in the midfield. Özil will remain in the starting lineup, in game creation. And a double front nine, Benzema and Adebayor (without dreadlocks). Combined version of a team that plays too fast and vertical with Cristiano.

Hercules looks to match in its worst moment. Team has only won one of its last six games, is in relegation positions and will be without Trezeguet (ten goals, left knee injury). Will also be out; Tote, Peña and Drenthe (dismissed by agreement). The good news is the return of Valdez (seven goals). The best guarantee of Hercules was its victory in the Nou Camp and the statements of his coach who has said they will compete; clarification after the surrender of Pellegrini (Malaga).

Although the white team do not say it, is a good time to cut the distance in the classification respect to Barcelona. The Catalan team plays tomorrow against Sevilla, a tough field. In addition there will be no occasion clear up within two weeks when Real Madrid plays against Sporting and Barcelona does against Villarreal. There lies the urgency and drama.

Notes

1) Jose Mourinho wants Cristiano Ronaldo will be "on fire" for the tie against Lyon and does not call Portuguese for this match. Neither force with Carvalho, confirming that his obsession is Europe.

2) Hercules arrives to visit Madrid at the worst moment of the season, after falling for the first time in relegation zone and with key players injured as Trezeguet and Tote. In addition, its last victory at Bernabeu Stadium was in 1985.

3) With 13 goals in their last three league games at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid has regained the punch from the start of the season. Against Hercules, will seek another victory to strengthen confidence before facing the challenge round of Champions.