MADRID, 1 November 2006 — Real Madrid are poised to wrap up qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League when they host Steaua Bucharest today despite a shaky start to their European campaign under new coach Fabio Capello.

Real suffered a 2-0 defeat at Olympique Lyon in their opening game in Group E but won emphatically against Dynamo Kiev and Steaua.

Another win against the Romanians will put them through to the knockout stage as long as Dynamo, who have yet to earn a point, do not beat runaway leaders Lyon.

The nine-times European champions may not have been playing the sort of fluent, flowing football their fans demand but they have developed a more gritty; pragmatic style under Capello and are getting the results.

They scored nine goals against Dynamo and Steaua, beat Barca 2-0 in the league two weeks ago and are now just two points behind their archrivals.

Real have conceded four goals in eight league games and the team are growing in confidence according to Brazilian full back Roberto Carlos.

“Capello has brought with him a different, more modern mentality,” the 33-year-old told Telemadrid at the weekend. “We are no longer the team that passes the ball slowly round the pitch. We are more direct and we know what we have to do.” Capello has made a number of changes since the defeat by Lyon.

Talented Brazilian forward Robinho has earned himself a place in the starting lineup with a series of live-wire performances on the wing while Ivan Helguera has been transformed from outcast to defensive linchpin in the space of a fortnight.

But there have been casualties and the decision to ban discontented Italy striker Antonio Cassano from training after he insulted Capello for failing to give him a chance in the first team, shows that not everyone is happy.

David Beckham has also been squeezed out of the first XI, while Ronaldo has had to settle for a place on the bench in the face of competition from Ruud van Nistelrooy although the Brazilian should get a run out on Tuesday.

Steaua, who have taken only three points from their three matches, are without several influential players because of injuries.

Defenders Klemi Saban and Mihaita Nesu, as well as inspirational midfielder Vasilica Cristocea have joined skipper Mirel Radoi and striker Victoras Iacob on the sidelines.

Goalkeeper Cornel Cernea, who has replaced out-of-form Portuguese Carlos Fernandez for Steaua’s last two league games, should keep his place.

“We are missing a lot of key players so only a miracle will help us snatch a good result in Madrid,” coach Cosmin Olaroiu told Reuters.

Aberdeen Snatch Late

Winner in 2-1 Victory

In Glasgow, midfielder Scott Severin snatched a last-gasp winner to give Aberdeen a 2-1 home victory over 10-man Hibernian on Monday in their Scottish Premier League match.

New Zealand striker Chris Killen slotted the opener for Hibernian in the 47th minute on the penalty spot from a low ball by Merouane Zemmama who pounced on a defensive blunder by Aberdeen’s Zander Diamond.

The Moroccan midfielder pounded down the left and squared the ball to Killen who steered home his left foot shot.

Aberdeen leveled with a fine turn and shot from 15 meters by Lee Miller who sent the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the net in the 56th minute. There was more misery for Hibernian when Killen was sent off for his second bookable offense after clattering Gary Dempsey in the 66th minute.

Severin blasted a knee-high shot from 25 meters past keeper Zibi Malkowski into the left side of the net in stoppage time.

Aberdeen moved fourth from top with 18 points from 12 games while Hibernian have 15 from 12. Champions Celtic head the table with 31 from 12.

US Federation President Has

Talked to Klinsmann

In Washington, US Soccer federation president Sunil Gulati said on Monday he had talked to former Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann about coaching the national team but no agreement had been reached.

“I’m not going to sit here and deny that we’ve talked to Juergen Klinsmann since he told (the media) last week that he has had some informal conversations,” Gulati told a teleconference.

“We have not made any decisions about who will be coaching our national team. We certainly haven’t made any offers.”

Klinsmann, who took Germany to the World Cup semifinals this year, told the New York Times on Friday he was interested in replacing Bruce Arena, whose contract was not renewed after eight years coaching the national team.

Gulati said the federation was still holding discussions with four or five prospective candidates.

“We’re looking for someone with a track record of success, that’s a number one criteria,” Gulati said.

“Juergen brings a lot of positive qualities to the possibility of coaching the national team. He had indicated a desire to take some time off and has said that he’s now taken some time off and would be open to having a discussion.” Gulati said a decision was expected late next month.