It has been six days since Real Madrid twice threw away a one-goal lead away to Valencia to draw 2-2, and let go a golden opportunity to leapfrog rivals Barcelona in the standings.
The tie meant that Los Blancos remained in third spot, with 37 points from 18 games, trailing the Blaugrana – whom have a game in hand – by two, and neighbors Atletico Madrid by four.
A lot has changed since last Sunday’s disappointing result at the Mestalla, with Spanish tactician Rafael Benitez being sacked and Zinedine Zidane being brought in as his replacement, much to the joy of the legion of supporters.
The decision by Florentino Perez could either prove costly, as the French legend has little managerial experience at top-level football, or pay high dividends, as he could raise the club’s pride in similar fashion to Pep Guardiola at Camp Nou should he succeed.
But the question remains, with Santiago Bernabeu playing hosts to Deportivo La Coruna this weekend, will the new Real Madrid boss enjoy a wonderful start to life as the first-team coach?
The match will also be Cristiano Ronaldo's very last game before heading off to Monday's Ballon d'Or gala, having scored 57 times in 2015, as he looks to add to his tally of 14 strikes this season in order to mount a last-ditch bid to usurp Messi as favorite for the coveted prize.
Cristiano Ronaldo was in great form last year, but are these statistics enough to earn him the Ballon d'Or on Monday?Ballon d'Or live broadcast: http://bit.ly/1RdWeiY
Posted by LiveSoccerTV.com on Friday, January 8, 2016
TEAM NEWS
The fitness issues for Zizou to worry about in his Real Madrid debut are all but none, with the only player set to miss Saturday’s game being Mateo Kovacic due to suspension, having picked up a straight red in last weekend’s 2-2 draw.
Captain Sergio Ramos is tipped for a starting eleven berth, having returned to the team training session despite working alone for a while in the lead up to the game.
Training | Sergio Ramos joined the group session. pic.twitter.com/HGF6lFOFRn
— Real Madrid Info (@RMadridInfo) January 7, 2016
However, Deportivo have a lot to worry about. Celso Borges and Fabricio are both out of the Santiago Bernabeu trip, with Cani, Alejandro Arribas and Fede Cartabia all injury doubts for the traveling side.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Traveling to the 10-time Champions League winners’ home ground is no easy task, but when one boasts the stats of Victor Sanchez's side, the odds are even more stacked against Deportivo.
Los Brancoazuis last won at Real Madrid’s famous home ground in La Liga over 11 years ago, with a 1-0 victory way back in October 2004, which translates to 1 win in their last 30 trips.
Les Merenuges, in their last 30 home clashes with Deportivo in Liga BBVA, have won 25, drawing 4, and have a 9-league game unbeaten record against La Coruna (W8, D1).
ALL EYES ON ZIDANE
It was always a risky decision to appoint Zinedine Zidane as Real Madrid boss, especially given that his only previous managerial experience is with Real Madrid Castilla.
However, the 1998 World Cup winner was quick to brush aside any fears over leading one of Europe's most successful clubs, claiming to have the support of the players, whilst also insisting 30-year-old superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is going no where.
"I believe things will go very well, very well indeed. When you look at the quality we have in the team I can’t imagine anything else," said Zidane.
Zidane in his first Real Madrid training as first-team manager
"I was here under Ancelotti working alongside Paul Clement. I already have the confidence of the players. I am going to sleep well tonight. We have trained well and I am ready for this challenge."
"He is the soul of this club and the stories make me laugh because while I'm here he is not going to leave."
Which channel is broadcasting Real Madrid vs Deportivo on TV or Online?
Are you able to attend Santiago Bernabeu to watch the match live? If so, all the props to you. If not, no need to feel sad, because Live Soccer TV has got you covered with all the live stream and TV listings info you need. Here are some options for fans residing in the following countries:
In the USA at 14:30 EST on: beIN Sports USA, beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A., fuboTV, beIN Sports en Español
In the UK at 19:30 GMT on: SKY GO Extra, NOW TV UK, Sky Sports 1/HD UK, Sky Go UK
In Canada at 14:30 EST on: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada, beIN Sports en Español, beIN Sports Canada
In Spain at 20:30 CET on: Movistar TV Fútbol, Canal+ Liga / HD, Abono Futbol
Are you elsewhere in the world? If so, LiveSoccerTV.com still has you covered. Simply visit our special Real Madrid vs Deportivo broadcast page for viewing options and times for your specific location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
KEY STATS
- Real Madrid have lost only once in their last 26 home games in the Spanish top-flight, and that was the 4-0 defeat to Barca.
- 22 of those 26 home games in La Liga have ended in victory for Los Blancos.
- Zidane’s crew have won their last 8 games against Deportivo in all competitions.
- However, Los Brancoazuis are undefeated in 10 of their last 11 away matches.
Official Team sheets for Real Madrid vs Deportivo
Real Madrid: Navas, Pepe, Ramos, Kross, Marcelo, Carajal, Modric, Isco, Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale
Subs: Kiko, Varane, James, Casemiro, Lucas, Jese, Danilo
Deportivo: Lux, Navarro, Alex, Mosquera, Lucas, Juanfran, Sidnei, Arribas, Fede Cartabia, Faycal, Alberto
Subs: Fernandez, Oriol Riera, Dominguez, Laure, Luisinho, Lopo, Jonas
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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