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Madrid to be crowned champions?

By Vidur Arora

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Updated on:
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Real Madrid vs Espanyol

Real Madrid vs Espanyol

Real Madrid welcome RCD Espanyol to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday afternoon in a  clash that could see Los Blancos be crowned La Liga champions.

The All Whites are only a point away from La Liga crown with four matches to go. It will be their second La Liga crown in a row. Real Madrid will look to continue their dominance over the Spanish league while arch-rivals Barcelona still struggle to fix their squad.

Real Madrid would be looking for a win desperately against Espanyol, who are Barcelona’s city rivals, and winning the La Liga title against them would make it much sweeter.

Los Blancos go into this contest on the back off of a 4-3 defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League semi final 1st leg. Much like Real Madrid, Espanyol also lost their last competitive game, which came against Rayo in the league.

(Image Source: Google)

Madrid have clearly been the best side in Spain this season although they have been extremely lucky too. They have managed to collect 78 points in 33 games 15 points ahead of rivals Barcelona who are languishing in 2nd.

Thus a point would be enough for Real Madrid against Espanyol would be enough for them to be confirmed as La Liga champions for the 35th time. If they manage to win against Espanyol they can concentrate on the Champions league semi-final 2nd leg.

Real Madrid will win the league regardless of the result against Espanyol. But Carlo Ancelotti would be hoping to do it in front of his own fans. A win against Espanyol will also secure their position as the best team at Home in the league for this season.

Espanyol on the other hand would be looking to spoil the party for Real Madrid as a favour to cross city rivals Barcelona. Although they have one of the worst away records in the league this season.

The 13th place side in La Liga right now will only be delaying the inevitable. Espanyol have fared well for a newly promoted side this season. It will take something miraculous and disastrous for them to get relegated now.

Victor Moreno’s side actually came out on top in the reverse fixture against Real Madrid as his Espanyol side won 2-1 in Catalunya. Something Ancelotti would be hoping to avoid.

TEAM NEWS

Real Madrid would be cautious of putting out their best XI for this game. Keeping the Champions League 2nd leg in mind.

Alaba and Casemiro would most likely be rested after their injury problems in the 1st leg of the UCL semi-final. Ancelotti would want the experienced duo back for the game against Manchester City in Madrid. Benzema, Modric and Caravajal would also be rested.

Nacho and Militao are suspended for Real Madrid from the League for the match against Espanyol. Hazard, Jovic and Mariano are out injured too.

Probable Line-up (4-3-3) : T.Courtois; L.Vazquez, Vallejo, Rafa Marin, F. Mendy; E.Camavinga, D.Ceballos, T. Kroos; M. Asensio, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr.

Espanyol will be looking to spoil Real Madrid’s party. So Victor Moreno would play his best 11, fortunately for him,  only Keidi Bare will not be available in midfield due to an injury.

Probable Line-up (4-3-3) : D. Lopez; A. Vidal, Calero, Cabrera, Pedrosa; Y. Herrera,M. Morlanes,S. Darder; J. Puado, R. De Tomas, T. Vilhena

 

GAME CHANGERS

With Benzema most likely rested, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo will rise to the occasion. The Brazilian duo would love to secure the title for Real Madrid as the porous defence of Espanyol will break under the pressure.

Vinicius has 25 goal involvements this season and has clearly been the 2nd best player in the Squad only behind Karim the ‘Dream’.

Raul De Tomas, has been the standout performer for Espanyol this season. He has scored 15 goals and has 3 assists.

De Tomas, who came through Real Madrid’s academy, will be looking to rain on Los Blancos’ parade who never really gave him a chance at the Bernabeu. Since his departure from Madrid he has evolved into a promising striker.

 

PREDICTIONS

Even a draw would secure Real Madrid the title. We are certain they will play without fear and look to secure it as soon as possible.  They will most likely be crowned La Liga champions for the 35th time after this game.

We at FootTheBall see this being an easy win for Real Madrid. They will end up thrashing Espanyol 4-1, with De Tomas getting on the scoresheet for the away team.

 

Vidur Arora
A Swansea City fan, who fell in love with the game watching Joe Allen play. Usually found in the wild with headphones in his ears and bobbing his head. Love his art too.

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