Preview: Los Blancos hunting for points in Andalusia
Almeria’s league form of late is rather remarkable with three successive wins to end a five-game losing streak which extended itself from September 24 to October 27. The fight for survival is already on for the Andalusia-based club. Competition is fierce with Rayo Vallecano, Real Valladolid and Celta Vigo all counting 12 points like Almeria after 13 games.
As the half-point of the Primera Division campaign draws closer, blunders become less tolerable. Francisco Rodriguez’s men have not conceded a goal in over 180 minutes and this encouraging record will be put to the test by Real Madrid’s flamboyant Ronaldo.
The Portuguese winger’s name has been all over the media following his heroic display against Sweden in a two-legged World Cup qualifying playoff tie. But after an ‘intense’ international break as Cristiano Ronaldo put it, it remains to be seen if he can maintain his tempo.
“My only goal now, and that of all my teammates, is to train so that all the Real Madrid fans continue to feel proud of their team,” said the 2013 Ballon d'Or favourite at a press conference on Thursday.
One thing is for sure: Los Blancos will need his incredible goalscoring run to continue on Saturday as the team remains behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the Spanish La Liga.
Meanwhile, more pressure will be on Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive tactics to click. In fact, no team in the Top Four has conceded as many goals (13) as Real Madrid.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Almeria vs Real Madrid live on Saturday, November 23, 2013:
In Canada at 14:00 ET on: beIN Sport Play Canada
In UK at 19:00 BST on: Sky Sports 4/HD, NOW TV powered by Sky, Sky Go UK
In USA at 14:00 ET on: beIN Sport USA, beIN Sport Play, beIN Sport en Español, SiriusXM FC
Check out the Almeria-Real Madrid match page for worldwide live listings and live scores.
