The game starts shortly. In the meantime, here is the latest expert's take from Paul:
February 26th
Referee Dauden Ibañez was without doubt the most influential factor in Real Madrid taking a point from the Vicente Calderon stadium on Saturday night. Had he not disallowed Atletico's 2nd "Goal" for offside, when it clearly wasn't, Atletico would have probably steamrollered Real Madrid. Had he sent Cannavaro off earlier than the 83rd minute, which he could have done three times by my reckoning, Atletico would probably have won easily.
Had he sent Diarra off in the 90th minute, it probably wouldn't have changed much, but Diarra should have gone as well - and lets be honest, to only add 3 minutes injury time after all that happened (sending off, injuries to Salgado, discussions on the pitch) was little short of a joke. Had Dauden done his job, Fabio Capello would probably be looking for alternative employment this week. As it is Capello has scraped through for another week, for which he should also thank Iker Casillas as well as Atletico's less than clinical finishing.
An away point is not a bad result for Real, but it turned into a bad week for them because Samuel Eto'o was back for Barca and a key factor as they beat Athletic Club 3-0.
That takes them 6 points clear of Real Madrid and 2 ahead of Sevilla, who drew at Getafe. With Real Madrid travelling to the Camp Nou in 2 weeks, Real's league hopes could soon become very clear indeed.
To travel with a chance Capello needs his men to win next Sunday and has another "Derby" to challenge them when Getafe are in the Bernabeu. Under Bernd Schuster Getafe are one of the surprises of the season and will be a tough nut to crack.
Madrid have players suspended, they will have half an eye on their Champions League game in Munich 3 days later and just as importantly they have a set of fans demanding a win.
It is going to be really hard for them, but as Real Madrid go into the most important 7 days of their season we are going to be there in HD and you can see how it unfolds.
All the best PAUL
Real Madrid vs.
GetafeThe live broadcast begins 2 minutes before the game.
