As the La Liga season nears its climax, Granada CF faces the grim reality of relegation, which could be confirmed even before they step onto the pitch against a triumphant Real Madrid. The fateful match at Los Cármenes, set for Saturday at 18:30, holds more than just three points at stake for Granada.
The Decisive Countdown
With four games left in the season, Granada finds themselves 11 points adrift of safety, a spot currently held by Mallorca. Should Mallorca emerge victorious against Las Palmas earlier that day, Granada's fate would be sealed, marking their seventh descent to the Segunda Division.
"The future is built by correcting past mistakes," reflects Granada's coach, José Ramón Sandoval, in a sobering acknowledgment of the team's precarious position. The stats paint a bleak picture for Granada, who has managed to defeat the Madrid giants only twice in the last 40 years.
A Glimmer of Hope in History
The last time Granada celebrated a win over Real Madrid was on February 2, 2013, when an own goal by Cristiano Ronaldo gave them a 1-0 victory. To find another triumph, one must delve deep into the archives to January 20, 1974, when Granada secured a 1-0 win at Santiago Bernabéu with a goal from Lorenzo.
Facing the Champions
Overcoming the newly crowned La Liga champions will be no small feat. Real Madrid, relaxed yet authoritative, has nothing to lose and a record to uphold, having won their last 15 encounters with Granada. The overall head-to-head record is heavily skewed in Madrid's favor, with Granada managing only six wins and eight draws in 53 matches, scoring 39 goals to Madrid's 148.
The Voice of the Squad
Granada's defender Ignasi Miquel epitomizes a season marred by disappointment. The winter transfer window plans went awry, leaving Miquel and Miguel Rubio, who is suspended for the upcoming clash, as the central defensive choices. "We're sorry for what we're experiencing this year; we haven't been up to par. We owe a debt of gratitude to our fans, who have been with us every step of the way," Miquel stated.
Midfielder Sergio Ruiz echoes the sentiment, "We have another match on Saturday, and we're still alive. Let's enjoy this beautiful day against Real Madrid," he said, urging his team to hold their heads high regardless of the outcome.
As the clock ticks down, Granada must face their powerful and contented opponent, hoping to defy the odds and conclude their campaign with dignity.
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