Villarreal vs Zaragoza preview - Garrido ready for crunch clash - 7M sport

Villarreal vs Zaragoza preview - Garrido ready for crunch clash



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Posted Monday, April 18, 2011 by PA

Villarreal coach Juan Carlos Garrido has described the clash with Real Zaragoza as his side's "most important game of the season" as the Yellow Submarine look to take a significant step closer to a Champions League berth.

Fourth-placed Villarreal have lost their past two league matches, going down 1-0 at home to leaders Barcelona and then 5-0 at third-placed Valencia last weekend, and with Los Che winning last night, Garrido's men are now nine points behind their local rivals ahead of their meeting with Zaragoza.

With only six games left after this round, Villarreal's hopes of finishing in the top three now look over, but they will be desperate not to lose their grip on the fourth and final Champions League position at this late stage - having been into the top four for all but the first three weeks of the campaign.

Garrido, whose side boast a healthy advantage over the four teams below them, said: "The truth is that the game is absolutely and totally the most important of the season.

"It's a match where we can take a giant step and define our chances of playing in the Champions League next season."

Villarreal have also reached the Europa League semi-finals, completing an 8-2 aggregate win over FC Twente last Thursday, and Garrido is proud of what his side have achieved so far this season.

"We should congratulate everyone for what we've done up until now, both the players and all those who work day in day out at Villarreal because we are exceeding our objectives. The players are having an extraordinary season and we are competing in two competitions at a great level."

Zaragoza are not having such a great campaign and they make the trip to El Madrigal in 17th spot, level on 33 points with 18th-placed Malaga.

Javier Aguirre's side gained a much-needed victory over Getafe last weekend, but with Malaga looking a side on the up having won three of their last five games, Zaragoza know there is still a lot of hard work to come.

"Not every week can be good for us, Saturday wasn't good due to the results of our rivals and we need to help ourselves," said Aguirre, who saw fellow strugglers Malaga and Getafe both pick up victories.

"To win at Villarreal we need to have the perfect game and not commit any errors with regards concentration, technical or tactical.

"It's a difficult game where we will have to defend well and attack even better."



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