Real Valladolid vs Deportivo La Coruna Preview - Djukic eyeing survival

Posted Saturday, May 11, 2013 by PA

Real Valladolid coach Miroslav Djukic is eyeing the match at home to Deportivo La Coruna as the game in which his side will finally guarantee survival.

A win for Valladolid, who came up through the play-offs last season, will take them 11 points clear of the Galicians, who currently occupy the final relegation spot, and will ensure their status in the Primera Division again next season.

The Serbian coach told a press conference: "We have four finals left and we want to resolve our situation in the first final, because it's clear that if we win we will be in Primera Division next season.

"But we are not relaxed or taking anything for granted; we expect a tough game, both teams have a lot to play for."

Djukic's side are in a far more comfortable position than their opponents but are in contrasting form.

Valladolid have taken just five points from their last seven games, while Depor have picked up 15 points from the same amount of matches.

"They [Deportivo] come here on a run of great results and are strong in defence, are good at playing between the lines and they are very quick in attack," Djukic said.

"It's no coincidence for me that they are on a run of four wins and three draws."

Djukic spent seven years as a Depor player but stressed that his past in Coruna would have no bearing on the match.

"For me it's always special to face Deportivo because I spent some incredible years at that club and in that city and I am fond of them, but this is football and there are no sentiments," he said.

Despite their positive run of form, Deportivo's status in the top flight remains on a knife edge and midfielder Pizzi acknowledged they will need all the points they can get in their final four games.

Therefore, he declared his side would go to the Jose Zorilla stadium in search of victory.

He told reporters: "We want to win, we want to go there with the sense of going all out for the win because that's what we need if we are to get out of the bottom.

"If we can't win, we at least need to pick up a point because from now until the end of the season every point we get will be vital in the fight against the drop."

Depor drew 0-0 with third-placed Atletico Madrid in their last league game, and Pizzi admits tomorrow's game presents a clearer opportunity to pick up maximum points.

"It's a massive game for us, against a team that at the start of the season we thought would be relegation rivals." he said.

"They are now in a secure position, but they are beatable and we have to win, even though we know it's going to be difficult."

Pizzi missed the match with Atletico due to suspension but will return to the team to face Valladolid. Abel Aguilar and Diogo Salomo, however, have not returned from injury in time.

Alvaro Rubio and Alberto Bueno are injury concerns for Valladolid, while Omar Ramos is suspended.