Real Madrid's four-point cushion over Barcelona at the
top of the Primera Liga leaves them free to take risks when they
travel to face their arch-rivals next weekend, said striker Ruud
van Nistelrooy.
Second-placed Barca had closed the gap to just one point with their
3-0 win in Valencia on Saturday, when returning Cameroon striker
Samuel Eto'o struck two first-half goals. But the champions
responded with an unimpressive, though ruthlessly efficient, 2-0
win over Osasuna at home on Sunday. 'It was important to win so
that we can go to the Nou Camp with a four-point advantage,' said
Van Nistelrooy, who scored the opening goal. 'With this we can go
there to attack, without fear. It will be a tough game and it is
better to go secure in the knowledge that whatever happens we will
remain leaders.'
Barca put on one of their best away performances of the campaign to
beat free-falling Valencia, but were dealt a major blow when Lionel
Messi picked up a thigh injury that rules him out for around a
month. The Argentine international is their top scorer in the
league with eight goals, and notched a hat-trick against Real in
last season's 3-3 draw at the Nou Camp.
'The loss of Messi is very important for Barca because he's a key
player in fantastic form, but they have recovered Eto'o who has
proven beyond doubt he is well again,' said Real goalkeeper Iker
Casillas. Barca coach Frank Rijkaard agreed with Casillas's
assessment in an interview with Com Radio when he praised Eto'o,
who was sidelined for the first three months of the season with
injury, as something akin to Barca's missing link. 'The victory
against Valencia was very important psychologically,' the Dutchman
said. 'Eto'o's quick touch and penetration created problems for
Valencia. It's what we want great goals and attitude. Now we have
the chance for a good season.'
