Real Madrid have a match against Espanyol in the weekend after a nerve-wrecking Champions League opener against Sporting Lisbon. Real were lackluster on the day and many rightly feel that Sporting deserved to take something from the game. But football works in funny ways and Real’s class got them home in the final minutes after they were still trailing in the 89th minute of the game. Sporting’s coach was proud of the way his boys performed and stressed on his opponent’s quality as the reason they got through in the end. He said:
“No side will play here in Madrid as well as we have done,” said Sporting boss Jorge Jesus.
“Real didn’t have a single chance in the first half, but there’s a reason they’re European champions. They have that mentality and reputation and changed the game in two minutes.”
But they will have to shift their focus back to the La Liga where they have earned an early lead over Barcelona and will be desperate to keep it that way. Espanyol are currently in the 15th spot and will look to give a good account of themselves in front of the home fans. But they will be aware of the challenge and hope to sit tight and keep their shape throughout the 90 minutes in a bid to frustrate Real and try to hit on the break.
HERE IS T4O’s PREDICTED REAL MADRID LINE-UP VS ESPANYOL (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
Kiko Casilla will look to continue in goal and will be hoping to keep a clean sheet with Keylor Navas ultimately due to take over. Daniel Carvajal will be at right-back and will be hoping to spend most of his time in the opposition half. Sergio Ramos and Pepe will resume their usual dominant partnership at the heart of defence while Brazilian, Marcelo will be hoping to make glee at the other end of the pitch after switching on his ultra-adventurous mode.
MIDFIELD
The brilliant trio will be back in action after the midweek game and carry on the treat for the footballing fans. Real have found perfect balance in midfield with Casemiro’s defensive nous proving to be the perfect foil for Toni Kroos and Luka Modric to display their footballing genius.
ATTACK
The famed BBC were back in midweek with Benzema making a return from injury. Cristiano Ronaldo netted a fine freekick after a long time and will look to translate his confidence into performances on the field. Alvaro Morata might get a start with a possibility that Benzema’s minutes might be managed but Gareth Bale will be starting on the right-wing.
