It has been three years since Real Madrid last lifted La Liga title, and on Sunday, the side from the Spanish capital will kick off their campaign to reclaim the league crown.
Los Blancos will travel to newly promoted side Sporting Gijon in their opening game of the new season, as they aim to wrestle the Spanish Primera Division title out of the hands reigning champions Barcelona.
Les Merengues will head into the weekend clash without the injured Karim Benzema, who is rumored to be close to an Arsenal switch, in what will be Rafael Benitez’s first game since taking charge at the Bernabeu after Ancelotti’s sacking.
Rafa, who won La Liga twice back in 2002 and 2004 with Valencia, will be hoping to kick start the new campaign with three points, and feels his side have the creativity to accomplish that.
"The most important thing is to make the chances. I am not worried about that at all," the Spanish manager confessed.
"I am thinking more about [the forwards] closing off the opposition bringing out the ball from the back, stopping them making chances."
And the stats back Real Madrid for the win, as well. In the two sides last 12 meetings, Sporting Gijon have only won once, drawing on one occasion, and losing 10 times. Los Blancos have also kept a clean sheet in their last 7 trips to El Molinon, winning 5 of them and drawing twice.
However, Sporting Gijon coach Abelardo Fernandez feels his side can beat the odds and end their losing streak against Real Madrid in their first top-flight game since 2012.
"Out of 100 matches against Madrid we would win one, hopefully that will be tomorrow," said Abelardo. "Real Madrid are a lethal team and if they are successful they make you pay.
"They are technically better [than us] but in strength, unity and commitment they are not - although this does not win matches.
"We will try to make is uncomfortable for them, and ensure they do not have a high percentage of possession."
Sporting Gijon vs Real Madrid team sheets
Real Madrid's First XI: Navas, Varane, Ramos, Ronaldo, Kroos, Bale, Marcelo, Modric, Jese, Isco, Danilo
Real Madrid's bench: Casilla, Pepe, Nacho, James, Casemiro, Carvajal, Kovavic
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