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Plenty of firepower Real Madrid starts as favorite despite no Ronaldo dealPosted: Wednesday August 28, 2002 10:47 AM
MADRID (Reuters) -- Real Madrid may finally have given up on signing Brazilian World Cup hero Ronaldo but the nine-times European champions will not exactly be short of firepower when the Spanish league season kicks off this weekend. Real proved unstoppable in last season's Champions League, as Zinedine Zidane inspired the side to a ninth European Cup success with some breathtaking attacking football. They were the top scorers in the Spanish league but inconsistency cost them a 29th league title, as a handful of distracted displays let Valencia in for their first championship since 1971, with Deportivo Coruna pipping them for second place. Deportivo have strengthened their squad in key positions and it would be unwise to write off Valencia after the impressive way they held their nerve on last season's run-in. Barcelona could also have a major say in the outcome of the title race, with returning Dutch coach Louis van Gaal certain to demand more commitment after two hugely disappointing seasons since he left. It is hard to look beyond Real Madrid for the championship, though, despite the lack of transfer activity at the Bernabeu. With a proposed deal to bring in Ronaldo from Inter Milan apparently shelved, Real coach Vicente del Bosque will be asked to improve on last season's league showing with much the same squad. That should not be beyond them. Zidane took time to fit in with the squad last season following his $66 million move from Juventus but he should be fit and raring to go from the off this term, particularly after the disappointment of the World Cup. Luis Figo struggled for much of last season with an ankle injury but the current FIFA World Player of the Year was looking close to his best in pre-season and he could return as a major influence. Raul will once again be on hand to provide the link between midfield and attack, while gifted young striker Javier Portillo could make the breakthrough, particularly if Fernando Morientes is eventually sold. The defense may be a problem but if Fernando Hierro can stay fit Del Bosque will be confident enough of landing his second title, following the team's success in 2001. Well-prepared "We have the foundations of a very good squad that won the European Cup last season," the Real coach said recently. "It is balanced and well prepared for all the challenges that face us this season." If Real are to be beaten, Barcelona may be the team to do it. The return of van Gaal signaled an immediate exit for Brazilian World Cup winner Rivaldo but new Argentine signing Juan Roman Riquelme looks to have the raw talent to succeed in his place. Van Gaal has pulled off something of a coup with the acquisition of Spanish midfielder Gaizka Mendieta, rescued from Lazio on a loan deal after a frustrating year spent largely on the sidelines after his move from Valencia. The intention is to play a 3-4-3 formation, which will demand a lot of a defense with a slightly threadbare look about it now that Abelardo and Sergi have been released. Van Gaal's chances of repeating the success of his first spell in charge, which included title wins in the first two years in 1998 and 1999, could rest on whether they manage to land a regular goalscorer before the transfer deadline. "This team is certainly capable of winning titles," the Dutchman said in a recent interview. "Although we cannot guarantee anything, what we can promise is hard work, enthusiasm and ambition." Deportivo's chances of repeating their league title success of 2000 will be boosted by the signings of Paraguay midfielder Roberto Acuna and Portuguese center-back Jorge Andrade for a combined total of around $20 million. Barca and Deportivo have been among the few sides to spend significant amounts of money in the transfer market, with uncertainty over the new television rights deal currently being negotiated leading to more caution than in recent years. Valencia have signed just one player, the little known French defender Jean Felix Dorothee, and a successful defense of their title may be too much to ask. Small squad The Champions League runners-up in 2000 and 2001 are back in Europe's top competition and with a small squad they may struggle to balance the demands of European and domestic action. Challenging the top four could be Real Betis, who did so well to finish sixth last season and have Victor Fernandez, formerly of Celta Vigo, as their new coach. There have been few additions to the squad -- the return of striker Alfonso from Barcelona has been the biggest news of the close season -- but the club have managed to keep exciting young winger Joaquin, despite the interest of some of Europe's top clubs after his impressive World Cup. Atletico Madrid have been active in the transfer market as they return to the top flight after two seasons in the second division. Spanish strikers Javi Moreno and Jose Mari have come in from AC Milan, along with midfielder Demetrio Albertini and defender Fabricio Coloccini. The signing of Brazilian midfielder Emerson from Deportivo Coruna also looks a shrewd move and a UEFA Cup place could be a realistic target for coach Luis Aragones. Another side making a welcome return are Recreativo Huelva. Spain's oldest established team will be in the top flight for only the second time after a one-season spell at the highest level from 1978-79. They were joined in the promotion slots by Racing Santander, who make an immediate return following their relegation in 2001. Racing will have high hopes of staying up but Recreativo will almost certainly be battling to avoid relegation with the likes of Osasuna, Rayo Vallecano and Villarreal. Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. |
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