18/10/2004
CL Preview: Madrid seek to impress Kiev; Leverkusen look to regain form
MADRID, Oct 18 (SW) –
After a horrendous start to the season, Real Madrid will look to cast
away their doubters when they host Group B leaders Dynamo Kiev in the
Champions League on Tuesday.
Despite a comeback 4-2 win over AS Roma in their last Champions League
game, that was the only time this season that Madrid have scored more
than one goal in a game. Kiev are coming off of a 4-2 win of their own
over Bayer Leverkusen on the last matchday.
Real Madrid will be without midfielder and free-kick specialist David
Beckham, who fractured a rib in England’s World Cup qualifying match
against Wales. Also missing is central defender Walter Samuel, who is
suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the competition
against Roma.
There is one huge absence for Dynamo Kiev, who will be without Latvia
striker Maris Verpakovskis. Verpakovskis, like Samuel, received his
second yellow card against Leverkusen and is suspended. They will enjoy
the return of captain Vladimir Belkevich after a back injury.
In Germany, Bayer Leverkusen play host to group cellar dwellers Roma in
what could be a make or break game for the Italians.
The absences certainly do not favor the visitors who will be without
defender Philippe Mexes, who will serve the second of his two-game ban.
Also injured are goalkeeper Ivan Pelizzoli (groin) and Olivier Dacourt (knee).
Egyptian midfielder Mido is also questionable with a back injury.
Leverkusen look to rebound from their loss to Kiev and another
disappointing showing in the Bundesliga on the weekend, but will do it
without Andriy Voronin who is suspended. Also absent will be Radoslaw
Kaluzny (head) and Daniel Bierofka (back).
The match will be historic as the two teams have never faced each other
in competition.
