Match Preview

Real Madrid stays in Basque Country after midweek match against Athletic Bilbao as the club takes on EIbar at the Ipurua on Sunday.

Los Blancos have won their last three league matches which puts them currently tied on points with Real Sociedad for second. Atletico has already won its weekend match putting the club at the top of the league table by three points.

Eibar has drawn four of its last five league matches and currently sits tied on points for 12th. The club has only defeated Real Madrid once in 12 matches played since being promoted for the first time to the Primera División in 2014.

Real Madrid has had recent success traveling to the Ipurua. The club hasn’t lost in its last five road matches played away at Eibar.

Injuries/Suspensions

Real Madrid still have several missing squad players to deal with including Eden Hazard, Vinicius and Isco. Martin Ødegaard, Luka Jovic and Mariano have returned to the squad from injury.

Eibar will be without Jose Angel, Paulo Oliveira and captain Sergi Enrich due to injury. Centerback Esteban Burgos will also miss due to suspension.

Potential XIs

Eibar

Dmitrovic; Rober, Sergio, Bigas, Arbilla; Inui, Diop, Exposito, Gil; Garcia, Muto

Real Madrid

Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Vazquez, Asensio, Benzema

Casemiro will likely slot back into the lineup after missing the match against Athletic due to suspension. There’s also a chance Zidane gives Modric a rest in favor of Fede Valverde.

A decision must be made with the left wing with both Hazard and Vinicius out. Asensio could start here but Rodrygo is an option as well to start.

Prediction

Eibar—Real Madrid 1-2

This is a good chance for Real Madrid to extend its league win streak to four as well as capitalizing on Sociedad’s loss to Levante on Saturday. Another win in Basque Country would propel the club to second and a tie on points with Atletico.

Eibar does not score a lot of goals and is tied with Getafe for the worst goal total in the league with just nine goals scored so far this season. The defense has been good, however, as its only allowed 10 goals.

Los Armeros are missing one of their two top goalscorers in Burgos. He and Kike Garcia are tied for the team lead with three goals apiece.

Real Madrid having many of its players back now is a big boost on the road. This means Zidane can utilize the bench more when needed, especially with midweek matches being played.

This is a match Real should win but will not come easy even against a relatively anemic offense. Eibar knows how to force decisions and doesn’t concede a lot in doing so.