Re: Spanish Primera Division 2006 - 2007
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Zaragoza will play a huge part here. For me they've been the most exciting team of the season. Victor Fernandez teams are always exciting it seems. I remember Zaragoza in the 90s and later Celta Vigo especially playing some great football. And Zaragazo this season has been no exception.
They are certainly capable of beating both Sevilla and Madrid.
I'm pretty sure Espanol will put up a fight against Barca but I doubt very much a team like Nastic will. From what I understand it's a team closely linked with Barca and their stadium is likely to be full of Barcelona supporters as well.
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I agree with the Zaragoza bit. They played Barcelona very well in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals and were unlucky to go out after winning the first leg in the Camp Nou. They could easily beat both Sevilla and Real Madrid and should be motivated by wanting a few points to secure the UEFA Cup spot and being mathematically alive fighting for the Champions League. They are right now 7 points behind Valencia for fourth (last CL spot) and 5 ahead of Villarreal who are in 7th (last non-UEFA spot if Espanyol are invited to the UEFA Cup by UEFA who will decide soon). The Champions League isn't realistic but two losses could put them out of the UEFA Cup.
Interestingly enough, if Sevilla beat Zaragoza in their first match that could give Villarreal, their final opponent, extra motivation because it would make it possible for them to qualify for Europe or even seal a European bid with a win over Sevilla.
As far as Gimnastic goes, I think beating Barcelona is absolutely huge for them. They would rather have Barcelona win the league, but I think beating your big brother type motivation will dominate. They aren't going to be like Espanyol but will be motivated IMO. Nastic are also relegated and this is their last match in the Primera so that will give extra motivation. Of course they are terrible and Barcelona are excellent so it should be a comfortable win for the blaugrana no matter how motivated they are.
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