Match Preview

Real Madrid will return to LaLiga action for the first time in two weeks against Levante at the Bernabéu. It was a much needed break for Real as times have been tough lately regarding their disappointing play and results.

The last time we saw Real was in that 1-0 loss to Alavés on October 6. Luckily for Los Blancos, their main competition have also struggled to get much-needed wins. It’s essentially a six-club race for 1st at this point, with these clubs all within two points of Sevilla in first.

With this first match back being at home in Madrid, this is a definite must-win for Real Madrid. They need to get a positive result to encourage the fans and themselves that this season isn’t on course for a disappointment. And Julen Lopetegui is going to want a win to take himself off the hot seat a bit. Levante are currently in 11th, Real need to take advantage of a club that hasn’t done that great themselves

Injuries/Suspensions

Carvajal is still out long-term with injury. Bale and Benzema both returned to the squad this week after picking up injuries during the international break. Isco, Vallejo and Marcelo also returned after missing lengthy amounts of time.

Levante are without Armando Sadiku, Coke, and Nikola Vukcevic due to injuries.

There are no suspensions for Saturday’s match.

Potential XIs

Real Madrid

Courtois; Odriozola, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Bale, Asensio, Benzema

With Carvajal still out and Marcelo back, Nacho either slots in for Carvajal or will be available off the bench. Isco likely won’t be rushed just yet, he’ll be a great option to have back as a substitute.

Assuming both Bale and Benzema are fit after returning to training, they’ll likely both start alongside Asensio. Of course if they’re not ready yet, we’ll likely see Mariano and Vazquez. Next Sunday is El Clásico, so some of the starters may rest on Tuesday against Plzen.

Levante

Oier; Cabaco, Postigo, Rober; Jason, Prcić, Rochina, Campaña, Toño; Morales, Boateng

Prediction

Real Madrid-Levante 2-1

I’m not going to predict a goal-fest for Saturday’s match, obviously that could happen for either side. Real clearly need to score much more than they have been their last several matches. Right now, they need a win, no matter how many goals they put in.

With so many clubs having a similar amount of points right now, they have to start trying to turn things around before the results start really going south. Being in Madrid is a plus, getting some vital players potentially back in the starting squad is also a huge boost.

Real need this match to get them back in the win column, otherwise the situation only gets more concerning from everyone’s perspective. Hopefully, they can pull off a win back in front of their home crowd and lift their spirits after a disappointing stretch and rather long break.