Discuss in forum (1 entries)

     At the hosts have been some changes after the winter break. Firstly they have a new owner, who fired the coach and the new trainer is Marcelino. He worked at the club in the 2007/08 season and they finished on the 6th place. Then Marcelino has left to Zaragoza and after the 2nd place in spanish segunda division they could not reach good results in primera and now Marcelino is back to Racing. Firstly they beat Sevilla (3-2) with the new coach despite that Fernández received a red card in the 39. min. Last week they won over Getafe away from home. Racing played not bad at all the first part of the season at home, they showed good performance. They had four victories (Zaragoza 2-0, Almería 1-0, Osasuna 4-1, Depor 1-0), the difference was bigger against Almería and Depor, the result could have been 3-0. They played a goalless draw with Espanyol and suffered two defeats from Barca (0-3) and Getafe (0-1), both results excessive in my opinion, 0-1 and 1-1 would be fair. Then they played totally poor in the last round before the winter break (0-0 with Hércules) and since this meeting I saw a weaker Racing but now the new coach resurrect these guys and they are good again!

     On the other hand the Yellow Submarine are in serious downtrend after the defeat against Levante, the 18th ranked team won over Villarreal at El Madrigal first time this season, totally deserved! Thereafter Villarreal lost on away field against Depor and last week played a draw with the bottom Málaga. Villarreal had more chances but don't forget that Málaga played without four key players. Villarreal played in the Europa League too and this midweek won over Napoli (2-1) but Napoli had also serious chances to win, finally the spanish team could complete the qualification.

     I think Racing should get at least one point. They are again on the good way with the new coach and they are dangerous with the support of their fans. Key midfielder Colsa is suspended but Diop recovered after injury and he can replace, Fernández also back after suspension. Villarreal will be without Ángel López (def), Senna (mid) both injured, Bruno Soriano (mid) suspended, all regular players. Villarreal played with their best line up in the Europa League and as I see their are not in the best condition while Racing are in fire!