Real Madrid will have their first game of 2015 at Santiago Bernabeu against the always tough Espanyol. While Los Blancos will be trying to avoid a potential crisis, Sergio Gonzalez's men are going to try and win their second away game this season, after defeating Rayo Vallecano in the earlier stages of the tournament.
After their 22nd consecutive victory in any competition, it seems like Real Madrid have forgotten how to hurt their opponents. Ancelotti's men have only been able to score one goal in 180 minutes, raising doubts whether their team has enough fuel left to stand what's coming next. With Sergio Ramos off for technical reasons, and with a decimated Cristiano Ronaldo, who was rested during their match against Atletico, Real Madrid will depend on what James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale can do up front. One more loss for Los Blancos combined with a victory by Barcelona or Atletico could make them lose the top spot in La Liga's standings for the first time since October.
Espanyol get to this match as the proverbial underdog, but could pull a stunner if they really believe it. Sergio Gonzalez and his team have to start winning games so they can think of getting into European competitions, rather than looking back to avoid relegation. Currently holding the tenth place, Gonzalez will depend on Sergio Garcia's display upfront, while relying on Diego Colotto and Mexican Hector Moreno to hold Los Blancos as long as they can. Santiago Bernabeu stadium usually is good to Espanyol, and they will try to make that count once more when they face a not-so-sure Merengue side.
Real Madrid vs Espanyol team sheets
Real Madrid's Starting XI: Casillas, Varane, Pepe, Coentrao, Ronaldo, Kroos, Benzema, James, Bale, Arbeloa, Isco.
Espanyol's Starting XI: Casilla, Arbilla, Colotto, Alvaro, Fuentes, Cañas, Victor Sánchez, Jordán, Montañés, Sergio García, Caicedo.
Real Madrid's Subs: Navas, Khedira, Chicharito, Nacho, Jesé, Illarra.
Espanyol's Subs: Pau Lopez, Alex, Stuani, Abraham, Moreno, Javi López, Luque.
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