La Liga Short Previews: Saturday August 28, 2010 Matches

Santander vs Barcelona

Ibrahimovic has been left out of the squad and looks more than likely to return to his old club in Italy. This first match of the season for Barcelona is only really going to go one way.

Racing are not a bad side, but they are not even remotely in the same class, as they ended the season flirting with a relegation battle due to a rather drastic dip in form and Barca, well, they spent their season in a very different battle.

Barcelona will need to win their opening match as every point is going to be absolutely essential in their campaign to pip Real Madrid to the championship again.

Mallorca vs Real Madrid

There was very little between Real Madrid and Barcelona in last season; however, Barcelona’s victories in their matches with Real were enough to see them just about snatch the title.

This means that if Barcelona play anything like they did last season then Real Madrid need to win this opening match as every point will be important. The problem this presents for Madrid is the fact that Mallorca are not going to be an easy team to beat at home, they finished fifth last season and put in some very solid performances at home.

It is possible that a few of Mourinho’s shrewd summer signings like Ozil may get their first starts for the club.

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