June 5, 200717 yr Guti press conference"The match on Saturday is like a Champions League final; we're all mentally prepared"The press conference turn was for Madridista vice-captain José Mª Gutiérrez “Guti”. The Spanish squad and the vital match on Saturday in Zaragoza were the principal talking points: “A draw is no good for either team so we will witness and all-out attacking game.” The number '14' has victory embedded all over his mind. He underlined a fan base enthusiasm which “I hadn't felt in years.”Was this break good for the players?It's been great for those of us who stayed in Madrid; the internationals will have less resting time. Maybe the best thing would have been continuity given the good results we were reaping. But this is what there is and it's nice to catch a break. What teams will be more affected by the League halt?I don't know, but I hope all except Real Madrid. I don't think it's good for any team to see its internationals leave for so many days at a time, but we're trusting that they will be back in good shape. Our worst fear is potential injuries. What did you think of Spain's match on Saturday?Spain did what they had to do. In the end, the most important thing is the result. I don't think there's a lack of ambition. Every player states the same: they know thay can play better, but you don't always get what you want. Against these opponents, who are so inferior, winning is a must. You said the other day that it was a disgrace that Raúl wasn't called up for the Spanish national team?Yes, I think it's disgraceful, but I guess the coach has his reasons. Luis Aragonés thinks that there are players in better shape now, but I think that Raúl is in top form and proving instrumental in Real Madrid's results. That's why I don't understand it. It's unfair for the Captain to be absent in such crucial times, you know, trying to qualify for the Euro 2008. Have you lost all hope of being selected with Spain?Yes, I've said it many times. Is the Zaragoza clash much more than a mere game?For sure; it's like a Champions League final. We can't lose. All the games we play lately are like this, both inside our and the fans' heads. There's an enthusiasm among the Bernabéu faithful that I hadn't felt in years. This will be the penultimate final. If we don't win, most likely we will not be League champions.What do you think of the squad having just one-day's worth of preparation just before Saturday's crucial match?It's badly planned. It's unbelievable that a player can only train one full day with his squad when it's do or die. The Clubs must defend the players. Moreover, it's them who pay us. In any event, I think that all the internationals will rise to the occasion. These things happen, but we're all mentally prepared and ready for this all-important match. Could these be your last two games with Real Madrid?I hope not. But before we speak of that, we need to focus on Real Madrid winning the League. It's not good to speak of individual players, but of winning the two games that are left. Do you think that César Jiménez doing the honourary kick-off is an unfortunate decision?I think that the most unfortunate thing is that he can't play football. I know him. He played for Madrid. These things have got to be the saddest episodes of football. Putting that behind, what is very obvious is that it will be a very tough match because they're trying to assure their UEFA spot and they will not be looking forward to waving goodbye to Europe in the next-to-last meeting. A draw is no good for either team so we will witness and all-out attacking game. Do you think that Capello should continue next year?Once again, yes. You have to give coaches time, especially when they're doing a good job. The beginning was shaky because there were many new players, trainers, and directors that needed to find common ground and fit in. Fabio is doing a great job and coach continuity in a great Club goes hand in hand with success.Did Xavi force a yellow card with the Spain squad to be back with Barcelona sooner?I don't know. Most logically, Xavi thought that Wednesday's match against Liechtenstein is not as important as the ones after. I think it has more to do with that than with him being back with Barcelona starting today. Tickets for the Zaragoza-Real Madrid game are being scalped for 600 euros. Would you pay that amount to watch the game?If Madrid win, I'd pay 600 or whatever was necessary. What would you think if Ronaldinho's suspension was finally lifted?I think it would create a precedent. The rest of the teams in a similar situation would want the same treatment. It wouldn't be logical for a player who hits another to have no suspension.
June 8, 200717 yr Zaragoza vs. Real MadridGoalkeepers: Casillas, Diego López, Adán.Defenders: Ramos, Cicinho, Cannavaro, Helguera, Marcelo, Roberto Carlos, Torres.Midfielders: Guti, Gago, Diarra, Robinho, Beckham, Emerson, Reyes.Forwards: Raúl, Higuaín, Van Nistelrooy.
June 10, 200717 yr Zaragoza 2: César; Zapater, Sergio García, Gabriel Milito, Chus Herrero; D'Alessandro, Piqué, Celades (Lafita, min.), Aimar; Ewerthon (Movilla, min.55) and Diego Milito (Óscar, min.85).Real Madrid 2: Casillas; Torres, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos; Beckham, Diarra, Emerson (Guti, min.45), Robinho (Reyes, min.66); Raúl (Higuaín, min.45) and Van Nistelrooy.Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco, Navarre Refereeing Association. Booked Helguera (min.33), Sergio Ramos (min.36), Diarra (min.65), and Sergio (min.77),Goals:1-0 (min.31): Penalty transformed by Diego Milito.1-1 (min. 56): Header by Van nistelrooy de cabeza.2-1 (min.63): Diego Milito after a service by Aimar.2-2 (min. 88): Van Nistelrooy after a clearance inside the box.Highlights: Matchday 37 of the Spanish Primera Division. Game played at the La Romareda stdaium. Attendance: 35,000. Prior to the beginning of the game, Zaragoza presented César Jiménez with the Gold and Diamond Insignia. The former player did the honourary kickoff on the day that marks his final goodbye to professional football due to a very serious injury.
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