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Real Madrid couldn't get the three points against Betis last week after what was a discouraging 1-1 draw. Los Blancos probably did more than enough to win but it looks like Gareth Bale has become such an important player for this squad that Madrid struggle whenever he is not on the pitch.
Today, the Welshman will also miss the match. However, Real Madrid should definitely beat Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabéu if they play with intensity.
Sergio Ramos will make his return to the Starting XI after missing the last couple of games with problems in his calf. The Spanish defender has been in and out of the squad lists and it's time for Real's medical staff to recover him once and for all.
Dani Carvajal should also start after Danilo's disappointing performance against Betis. Carvajal has won the battle for the spot so far and remains the most likely option to start in the right-back position.
Match Information
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Time: 20:30 CET, 14:30EST.
Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, España.
Projected Real Madrid XI: Navas, Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo, Kroos, Modric, James, Isco, Ronaldo, Benzema.
TV Information: BeIN Sports USA, Sky Sports 1 (UK), Others.
Stream Information: Others.