Match Preview

Real Madrid return to the Bernabéu on Saturday with the potential to capture their third win a row against Leganes. Real have been in great form to start the season, taking down Getafe 2-0 and defeating Girona 4-1.

Leganes have not won a match yet, they’ve lost to Bilbao and drawn to Real Sociedad. Real Madrid are once again the favorites to win this match, though it will take a full 90 minute effort like always.

Real currently sit at the the top of LaLiga, the same record as Barcelona but have scored 2 more goals. Yes, it’s obviously way too early to discuss standings, but might as well enjoy it right now.

The club’s newest signing, Mariano, has already chosen his new squad number. Given the legendary #7, obviously a lot of pressure is on him to carry on the legacy of this shirt number. We may see him on the bench and could even see him get his first minutes with the squad.

Injuries/Suspenions

Real Madrid are still without Jesus Vallejo, who still has no timetable for his return to the team. Leganes have no injuries to their squad.

Neither side have any suspensions to their teams.

Potential XIs

Real Madrid

Varane and Modric have yet to start a match this season. I would think they are more than ready to do so, they can’t start on the bench forever. Though, Real have fared well starting both Isco and Nacho in their spots so far.

Navas will likely start for the third time this season. Courtois has yet to feature for Real Madrid since joining, Navas seems to be the first choice unless he manages to start disappointing.

Mariano may start on the bench if he is ready for action. We may get our first look at his return should Lopetegui decide to sub him on at some point.

Leganes

Prediction

Real Madrid-Leganes 3-1

Real Madrid should be expected to carry on this brief, but promising win streak to start the new season off. This is another team that Real should be able to get all 3 points from early on. It is also a boost to Real that they are back home at the Bernabéu for this match.

Gareth Bale has 2 goals in 2 matches and has gotten off to a great start this season. He and Asensio look like they’ll be a fun duo to watch this season should all go well with Bale’s health.

Benzema has also contributed two goals this season, both against Girona. The club needs this trio to find the scoresheet nearly every match if they hope to be serious title contenders the remainder of this long Spanish season.

Looking at the present, Real must get a win against Leganes while the competition is relatively still simple. And certainly must get a win in front of their home crowd as they did against Getafe.