La Liga
Eibar vs Real Madrid Preview
The small Basque club welcome Real Madrid to the Ipurua Municipal Stadium in Saturday’s early match. Eibar, who currently sit thirteenth in the table will hope to cause Santiago Solari’s men trouble after the international break.
In contrast, the Spanish giants hope to continue their good run of form. ‘Los Blancos’ enjoy a 100% winning record under their Argentinian coach and a goal difference of 13, conceding only twice.
Nevertheless, the hosts have already earned a draw with Atletico this season, and will feel confident of earning a good result against their illustrious opponents. Kick off is at 7:00 am EST.
Team News
Former Real Madrid winger Pedro Leon is joined by defenders Ivan Ramis and Jordi Calavera on the list of Eibar players unavailable through injury. Additionally, center back Anaitz Arbilla is serving a suspension.
As a result, defenders Pedro Bigas, and Marc Cucurella should be in the starting eleven. Likewise, Chilean winger Fabian Orellana will probably start in midfield for manager José Luis Mendilibar.
In Madrid’s case, the good news is the return of three key defenders. Namely Marcelo, Dani Carvajal and Rafael Varane. However, it’s accompanied by the loss of Sergio Reguilon, Nacho and Casemiro to injury.
Despite this, coach Solari will be able to field his first choice defense. Meanwhile, Dani Ceballos should replace Casemiro in midfield providing their hosts with a difficult fight for possession over 90 minutes.
Lineups and Prediction
Eibar: Riesgo; Valdes, Oliveira, Bigas, Pena; Diop, Escalante; Orellana, Jordan, Cucurella; Charles
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Ceballos, Modric; Bale, Benzema, Asensio
A story of fours emerges when considering the background of this exciting La Liga clash.
Real have won their previous four matches and have a goal difference of four in La Liga after scoring four goals against Celta Vigo in their last match.
That win put the current European champions four points behind league leaders Barcelona. The Catalan’s comfortable gap at the top being cut down after conceding four goals to Real Betis.
Currently, Eibar have four wins in La Liga coming into this match and have conceded four goals to Madrid at home on two previous occasions.
Although that type of scoreline is not expected on Saturday, the whites should pick up a win. Eibar have never defeated their visitors and now face them in their best form of the season.
The hosts are seeking to improve on their best-ever ninth placed finish last year but could drop lower in the table. While Mendilibar’s men have the ability to limit Bale and Benzema’s goal threat, it likely won’t prove enough.
Eibar 0 – 2 Real Madrid
Photo credit to Real Madrid via Flickr
