Cheryshev controversy casts shadow over real’s trip to villarreal
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* Home * Sports * Cheryshev controversy casts shadow over Real’s trip to Villarreal REAL MADRID TRAVEL TO VILLARREAL FOR A GAME WHICH HAS TAKEN ON THE FEEL OF A GRUDGE FOOTBALL MATCH AS A
RESULT OF RECENT EVENTS WHICH HAVE SEEN RAFAEL BENITEZ'S SIDE KICKED OUT OF THE COPA DEL REY KNOCKOUT COMPETITION. MADRID, DEC 12: Real Madrid travel to Villarreal on Sunday for a game
which has taken on the feel of a grudge football match as a result of recent events which have seen Rafael Benitez’s side kicked out of the Copa del Rey knockout competition.Real were
eliminated from the cup after fielding Denis Cheryshev, who was suspended for picking up three yellow cards in the competition while he was on loan to Villarreal last season, reports
Xinhua.Villarreal insist they fulfilled all their obligations regarding the suspension, while Real Madrid continue to state they knew nothing about the ban. (ALSO READ: REAL MADRID LODGE NEW
APPEAL AGAINST COPA DEL REY EXPULSION) As a result of that disagreement, the Directors’ box will make almost as interesting viewing as Sunday’s game and cameras will no doubt be attentive
to any crossed word between the two club presidents — Villarreal’s Fernando Roig and Real’s Florentino Perez.In playing terms, Real travel after an 8-0 win at home over Malmo in midweek:
their fifth consecutive win since losing 0-4 at home to Barcelona. Villarreal should provide a sterner test than any of Real’s recent rivals, despite an injury crisis which has left them
without experienced full backs Mario Gaspar, Rukalvina and Jaume Costa. Real Madrid’s injury worries are not as serious, although they still have a doubt over captain Sergio Ramos’ shoulder
injury.Marcelo is available once again and coach Benitez will be able to play the attacking trio of Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, who during the week received the news of
his suspension from the French national side over the ‘Valbuena blackmail affair’.James Rodriguez will supply the creativity in the Madrid midfield, while Spain international Bruno Soriano
will hold things together for the home side.A win will keep Real in the title hunt, anything else will once again set the alarm bells ringing. But one thing that appears certain is that
Cheryshev, the unwilling actor in the controversy, will not be in Madrid’s starting 11. ALSO READ: