Preview: Real Madrid needs one win to be crowned

 　　MADRID, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid will be the champions of the BBVA Primera Liga on Wednesday night if they are able to win away to Athletic¹ Club Bilbao.

　　A win would give Real Madrid an unassailable seven point lead over FC Barcelona with just two matches left in the season. Meanwhile should Barcelona fail to win their home game against Malaga, a draw would be enough to give Madrid the title.

　　Jose Mourinho's side cannot expect an easy night in San Mames, however, Athletic have had a magnificent campaign and their fans are rightly angry at Real Madrid's decision to refuse the final of the Copa del Rey, in which Athletic will play Barca, to be played in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

　　Madrid allege² work to repair the bathrooms in the Stadium, but most believe it is because the club do not want to see Barcelona win a title on their home turf. The decision means the final will now be played in the Vicente Calderon Stadium, which has a capacity of around 27,000 less than the Bernabeu.

　　As a result thousands of Athletic fans will be unable to view the final in person and as they hold Madrid President, Florentino Perez directly responsible, his players can also expect a hostile reception.

　　Regarding team news, Athletic are without suspended duo Ander Herrera and Ander Iturraspe, through suspension, while Angel De Maria is out for the same reason for Madrid.

　　Barcelona meanwhile play at home to Malaga in what is a vital game for the visitors, who are level on points with third placed Valencia and aiming to qualify directly for the Champions League.

　　It promises to be an emotional night as the fans in the Camp Nou give their thanks to Pep Guardiola, who will leave his post as coach at the end of the season.

　　On Wednesday's other games, Valencia are at home to Osasuna, who still hold hopes of a place in Europe. There will be drama in the La Romareda Stadium, where Zaragoza look to continue their recovery at home to a Levante side that also has Champions League ambitions.

　　Atletico Madrid can afford no slip ups at home to a Real Sociedad that has nothing to play for. Atletico can still finish in the top four, but a top six finish has to be their realistic aim.

　　Rayo Vallecano still need a win to be assured of avoiding relegation³, but face a difficult trip to play Mallorca, while the Seville derby between Sevilla and Betis is certain to be a passionate⁴ affair between two sides, who may be neighbors, but who are far from being friends.

1 athletic   

adj.擅长运动的，强健的；活跃的，体格健壮的

参考例句：

• This area has been marked off for athletic practice.这块地方被划出来供体育训练之用。
• He is an athletic star.他是一个运动明星。

2 allege   

vt.宣称，申述，主张，断言

参考例句：

• The newspaper reporters allege that the man was murdered but they have given no proof.新闻记者们宣称这个男人是被谋杀的，但他们没提出证据。
• Students occasionally allege illness as the reason for absence.学生时不时会称病缺课。

3 relegation   

n.驱逐，贬黜；降级

参考例句：

• Liaoning team lost this game, is still deeply avoid relegation zone. 辽宁队本场失利后，仍然深陷保级区。 来自互联网
• In society, relegation is based on your income. 社会上的规类是以你的收入为基准。 来自互联网

4 passionate   

adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的

参考例句：

• He is said to be the most passionate man.据说他是最有激情的人。
• He is very passionate about the project.他对那个项目非常热心。