Real Madrid

• 
• EFE

Juan Tapiador / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Sporting are currently 11th on the table with 32 points. They had a great start to the campaign, coming close to European qualifying positions for seven weeks. Their fun and stylish game allows them to keep possession in attack, particularly at El Molinon Stadium, where they have played their best matches so far. As a visiting team however, they have only won two games and drawn three, but they never give up and will do their best to take three points at the Bernabeu.

Gijon went through a lot of trouble trying to stay in the First Division last year, goal that was achieved in the very last game of the campaign. They made signings during the summer to strengthen the squad. Goalkeeper Juan Pablo, centre backs Botia and Gregory; veteran central mifielder Rivera; and attacking midfielder De las Cuevas were brought to the Club, while youth teamer Mareo was promoted to the first team.

Preciado normally uses a 4-2-3-1 system with David Barral and Bilic alternating in the starting striker position. They have nevertheless only scored seven strikes between them this year. The second attacking line has been more successful and has scored several goals and served many assists. Miguel De las Cuevas usually exchanges his attacking midfielder position with wingers Luis Moran and Diego Castro, the current team top scorer with nine strikes.

Rivera has the reins of the team in midfield. The former Real Madrid academy player steals and distributes the ball, making him the most prominent footballer in Preciado's starting lineup. He is accompanied by either Diego Camacho, Portilla, Matabuena or winter signing Milan Smiljanic (a.k.a. Lola). Sporting's defence has greatly improved this season, led by Spanish youth international Botia, one of the most surprising players in La Liga this term. Goalkeeper Juan Pablo has been a starter in every game and has proved useful with his excellent reflexes, particularly in penalties.

Only three men on the 25-player squad aren't Spanish: Gregory (France), Bilic (Croatia) and Lola (Serbia). This is the greatest example of this 105 year-old club's support for national talent. Mareo, Alberto Lora and Luis Moran were products of its youth system.

This is Manuel Preciado's fourth year at the helm of the team and he's been a fan favourite ever since he got the team promoted to the First Division in 2008.