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This Saturday at 8:30 pm, the Santiago Bernabeu will be absolutely full. All tickets have been purchased to witness what will be a hero's comeback through the managerial seat. A stadium that saw his magic on the field will now get to witness whether he has the magic touch in that hot seat as well. Deportivo awaits in what will surely be an exciting game. A team that has been a pleasant revelation to say the least, Deportivo sit 7th in La Liga and will be looking to keep their form going against Real. They caused trouble to some of the league's heavyweights this season including draws against Atletico and Barcelona so they are definitely not shy of a challenge and I expect it to be a very open game.
This opposition has a strong counter attack and are extremely compact when defending, they have only allowed 7 goals in their last 10 games. Along with their strong defensive record, they also have strong firepower on the attacking ranks. Depor's main goalscorer Lucas has 12 goals this season and is having the season of his life, so much so that there was even talk in Spain of him taking Diego Costa's spot in the Spain squad for EURO 2016. Deportivo is led under the management of Victor Sanchez, a former player turned manager who spent more than nine years in the Real Madrid ranks and is very admired around Chamartin. Real Madrid will have to be organized and deadly on the attack to grab the result it needs.
More than any tactics or game plans Zizou might have up his sleeve, the Bernabeu is just absolutely excited more than anything. They want a show, they are hopeful of this team under the influence of a legend like Zidane, the stadium will be buzzing for this game. I don't expect many changes in the lineup judging by his press conference: "There won't be any changes up top, the main three will play". It's hard to see any drastic changes being made in the lineup considering we probably have the most complete squad in Europe. Our midfield shouldn't be drastically altered either , maybe Isco will get in for this game alongside Modric and Kroos, but that's really it.
"Players like James and Isco are very good, naturally. They just need confidence like every other player, I have told them most important thing for me is the team"
Wise words Zizou, wise words.