Real Madrid are currently staring at the prospect of finishing another season without winning a single trophy as arch rivals Barcelona consolidate their position on the top of the La Liga table. Still reeling from their derby defeat, Zinedine Zidane has a mammoth task on his hands as he looks to inspire his depleted, indifferent squad ahead of their away fixture against Levante.
Sitting 12 points below Barcelona in La Liga, Real Madrid only have themselves to blame as they have dropped a total of 16 points away from home this season. A draw against Malaga and a subsequent defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid has sent the Galacticos crashing out of the title race.
Meanwhile, Levante are currently sitting at the bottom of the table, staring at the distinct prospect of relegation this season. A further defeat against their renowned visitors will only complicate matters for Rubi who will look to capitalise on Real Madrid’s injuries at the Estadi Ciutat de València.
Levante
Levante are without defender Pedro Lopez who is yet to recover from his knee injury. Meanwhile, David Navarro remains suspended for the game.
Expected Starting Eleven: Ruben (GK); Tono, Feddal, Medjani, Lerma; Simao, Morales, Verza, Verdu; Deyverson, Rossi
Real Madrid
Luka Modric joins Marcelo, Benzema and Gareth Bale in the sidelines as Real Madrid look to redeem themselves following a disappointing loss against Atletico Madrid. Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal remain suspended for the fixture.
Expected Starting Eleven: Navas (GK); Danilo, Varane, Nacho,Pepe; Kroos, Kovacic, Isco, Rodriguez, Ronaldo; Mayoral
Key Stats
- Cristiano Ronaldo has found the net on 13 occasions in his last 12 matches against Levante.
- Real Madrid have scored the most away goals in the league this season.
- Zinedine Zidane has only won one away game in the La Liga since taking over from Rafael Benitez.
- Levante have only lost once in their last three home fixtures.
Prediction
Levante 1-2 Real Madrid
Despite suffering from several critical injuries, Real Madrid should be able to earn three points against bottom placed Levante. Cristiano Ronaldo will be looking to successfully lead the attack, following his controversial comments on Sunday.
Betting Odds (bet365)
Real Madrid – 1/2
Draw- 7/2
Levante- 11/2