Team news and analysis
Deportivo have recorded only three wins since the beginning of the 2012/13 Spanish Primera Division. These three wins all came at home. They need to get a result against Real Madrid to boost their morale and finish the season strongly. It would take a miracle for Depor to overcome relegation this year. They have gained only 16 points from a possible 72; that is less than a quarter of the maximum points.
The last time they picked up a point was in mid-January when they held Europa League zone contenders Real Sociedad to a 1-1 draw. Sadly for Deportivo La Coruna, they have collected more red cards (5) than points (1) in their last six league matches. They have one of the worst defensive records in La Liga and they are paying for that.
Deportivo are poised to suffer their sixth straight loss on Saturday. However, they are plotting a giant killing against all odds as manager Fernando Vazquez told the press in the build-up to the match.
“How do we need to play against Madrid? That's easy,” he claimed before adding:
“The way that Milan played against Barcelona. We have to close them down. Real Madrid has thrashed teams who think they can take them on by playing them one on one.”
Los Blancos will most likely rest their key players. As they seat in third position and 16 points off the pace, the Spanish Primera Division has become the last of their priorities. Jose Mourinho will not want to see Cristiano Ronaldo and co. injured ahead of next week’s crucial Copa del Rey second leg fixture away to Barcelona.
In the absence of Sergio Ramos who was flashed two yellow cards within 42 seconds during last weekend’s 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, Mourinho may line up Alvaro Arbeloa alongside Pepe, Varane and Coentrao.
Alvaro Morata had to be sacrificed because of Los Blancos’ numerical disadvantage against Rayo. The young striker is expected to start ahead of Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema who have been in poor form lately.
Kaka, Jose Callejon, Michael Essien and Luka Modric may not be given a big role in El Clasico on February 26 so the coach may opt to feature them against Deportivo La Coruna.
Head-to-head – Last five meetings
August 29, 2009: Real Madrid 3-2 Deportivo La Coruna
January 30, 2010: Deportivo La Coruna 1-3 Real Madrid
October 3, 2010: Real Madrid 6-1 Deportivo La Coruna
February 26, 2011: Deportivo La Coruna 0-0 Real Madrid
September 30, 2012: Real Madrid 5-1 Deportivo La Coruna
Deportivo La Coruna's placement in La Liga
| 16 |  |
Osasuna | 24 | 6 | 7 | 11 | 20 | 27 | -7 | 25 |
| 17 |  |
Real Zaragoza | 24 | 7 | 3 | 14 | 23 | 34 | -11 | 24 |
| 18 | Celta de Vigo | 24 | 5 | 5 | 14 | 22 | 31 | -9 | 20 | |
| 19 | Mallorca | 24 | 4 | 6 | 14 | 23 | 45 | -22 | 18 | |
| 20 | Deportivo La Coruña | 24 | 3 | 7 | 14 | 28 | 54 | -26 | 16 |
Real Madrid's placement in La Liga
| 1 | Barcelona | 24 | 21 | 2 | 1 | 80 | 27 | +53 | 65 | |
| 2 | Atlético Madrid | 24 | 17 | 2 | 5 | 47 | 23 | +24 | 53 | |
| 3 | Real Madrid | 24 | 15 | 4 | 5 | 60 | 22 | +38 | 49 | |
| 4 | Málaga | 24 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 37 | 21 | +16 | 42 |
Prediction
Deportivo 1-2 Real Madrid
