What: Champions League (Round of 16)
Who: Schalke (1) vs Valencia (1) (First leg scores in brackets)
When: Wednesday 9th March, 2011, at 19:45 UK time
Where: Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Essential Cornerstone
Schalke know full well that a win against Valencia in the return leg of their Champions League encounter would represent a crucial landmark in their current campaign. While the team remain very much far away from the competition’s qualification positions for the next campaign, progression beyond the current round would undoubtedly hand them a great deal of confidence and help a late surge towards the Europa League spots.
After starting the season in abysmal fashion, Gelsenkirchen’s own could end up without continental football next season as their displays in the league greatly differ from their performances in the cups. The Royal Blues’ German Cup meeting with MSV Duisburg in the tournament’s final remains their only true opportunity for salvation this season, and after dispatching the likes of Bayern Munich in the semi-final, Felix Magath’s team will fancy their chances of picking up silverware.
In the meantime, Schalke’s league progress received yet another setback as the team recently lost to Stuttgart. Speaking after the match, an irate Magath lashed out at referee Felix Brych for what he thought was a terrible error on his part: “Unfortunately the referee made a serious mistake. A foul on Benedikt Hoewedes was overlooked but Dr. Brych instead saw a handball by the same player! The game was effectively decided through this decision.”
No Stars Needed
For their part, Valencia continue to show, week-in and week-out, that they do not need the big names in order to succeed. As Davids Villa and Silva have started to built new lives at Barcelona and Manchester City respectively, Los Che have continued as if nothing has happened, continuing to compete with the means at their disposal and proving just why they are Spain’s best team behind Barcelona and Real Madrid.
On the right path in La Liga, Valencia’s latest win came away to Mallorca, who have a reputation for being one of the strongest sides to play at home. A Pablo Hernandez brace was more than enough to award his side all three points, increasing the gap between Los Che and fourth-placed Villarreal. Following the team’s win, Unai Emery had nothing but praise for his side’s winning mentality: “We lost two straight games here in Mallorca, and they were two very big disappointments. It was a reason, a great reason, to go out and fight here today for three points which we did. The attitude of the team is very important and now it has many good qualities.”
However, Valencia realise that the tie now favours their opponents as the first leg at the Mestalla ended 1-1. To be able to knock out Schalke and progress, the 2004 La Liga winners will have to produce some of their best football of the season.
Recent form
Schalke:
Schalke 1-1 Nurnberg (26/02; Bundesliga)
Bayern Munich 0-1 Schalke (02/03; German Cup)
Stuttgart 1-0 Schalke (05/03; Bundesliga)
Valencia:
Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Valencia (27/02; La Liga)
Valencia 0-1 Barcelona (02/03; La Liga)
Mallorca 1-2 Valencia (05/03; La Liga)
Key absences
Schalke: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar; Christian Pander; Tim Hoogland; Christoph Moritz
Valencia: Chori Dominguez; Hedwiges Maduro; Miguel; Miguel Moya
Players to watch
Schalke – Raul: Much of Schalke’s weight has rested on the shoulders of Raul over the past few weeks. Considered surplus to requirements at Real Madrid last summer, the striker has enjoyed a remarkable renaissance in Germany, establishing himself as one of his team’s most deadly weapons. Second to none in the Champions League, he will be Schalke’s main attacking threat.
Valencia – Tino Costa: The former Montpellier attacking midfielder has been a true revelation in the Valencian midfield, proving to be one of the best summer acquisitions made by a Spanish club. His presence behind the lone striker has been pivotal, and come kick-off, his talents will be needed in order to break through the Schalke defence.
Match Prediction
Schalke’s league form remains highly different to their cup form. And while Valencia appear to be in a better position overall, die Krappen cannot be disregarded in any way, especially given the fact that they hold home advantage and a priceless away goal. Expect the match to end 1-1, with the winner decided in extra time, possibly even on penalties.
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