Real Madrid need to pick up the pace in La Liga and Saturday’s encounter with Malaga at the Bernabeu presents the perfect opportunity to do just that.
With Barcelona already racing away at the top of the standings, the Madridistas have it all to do in order to defend their crown.
Here are a few talking points ahead of their clash with Malaga.
OPPORTUNITY TO PUT PRESSURE ON BARCELONA
We’re only 12 games into the season and Barcelona have already opened up a 10-point lead over the two Madrid outfits. However, the Catalans travel to second placed Valencia on Sunday night, offering Real the opportunity to reduce the deficit on Saturday and put pressure on their rivals ahead of their kick-off.
If Zinedine Zidane’s side are to recover from their slow start to the league campaign, this weekend could very well be the first step.
At the very least, a win would reduce the gap between themselves and Valencia even if Barcelona come away with three points.
Zinedine Zidane
RONALDO TO END LA LIGA DROUGHT
Cristiano Ronaldo has only scored once in La Liga this season and is currently on a four-game drought in the league. But that should come to an end at the Bernabeu against the league’s second worst defence this season.
After thumping Apoel 6-0 away from home in the Champions League this week, Madrid should be able to rediscover some of their swagger in the league. Crucially, the criticised front pairing of Karim Benzema and Ronaldo both secured braces on the night, doing their confidence a world of good.
In all fairness to the Portuguese, he has been playing well in the last few league games anyway despite his unflattering conversion rate. Ronaldo remains Madrid’s chief threat and is due for a big haul in the league.
After Lionel Messi picked up the Golden Shoe on Friday, a fourth to equal Ronaldo’s tally, perhaps the Madrid man will set out with a point to prove and Malaga may well be the unfortunate recipients.
Cristiano Ronaldo
VALLEJO TO GET ANOTHER CHANCE TO SHINE
Sergio Ramos is back in training but has been wearing a facial mask during sessions as he recovers from a broken nose while Nacho is suspended for this fixture. That means Zidane could turn to Jesus Vallejo in central defence.
The defender has already impressed this season and could have another opportunity to prove his worth. The 20-year-old shouldn’t have too much of a test though if everything goes to plan with Malaga hardly offering much of an attacking threat.
Only Alaves (6) and Las Palmas (8) have scored fewer goals than Saturday’s visitors (9) in La Liga this season.
Jesus Vallejo (L)
