Real Madrid begin their 2014/15 La Liga campaign with an opening clash at the Bernabéu against top flight new-comers Cordoba. Although the transfer window is not closed yet, the pre-season is over and it has left a bittersweet taste in the mouths of all madridistas.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be looking to rebound after suffering a 1-0 defeat to last years domestic champions Atlético Madrid. The first round saw Diego Simeone’s men deadlock them to a 1-1 draw before impressively breaking them down in the second round of the Spanish Super Cup. The defending European champions were seemingly unable to crack the robust system of Atletico and instead watched one of six targeted titles slip through their fingers which means we will not witness the first time a club wins six trophies in a single season.
However, the 55-year-old coach is confident that Real will not be knocked off course by the defeat to Atletico saying:
"The new season is going to be interesting for us"
"We have a side full of quality and we are going to try and do what we did last year. None of us have spoken about winning six titles."
"We will try and win all the titles we can. Now we start a new season and are looking forward to it. There are very competitive sides to come, like Atletico and Barcelona.”
In comparison to the Spanish Super Cup matches, tonights contest with Cordoba wont be such a stern test for Los Blancos. Perhaps the most interesting factor heading into their league opening is what system Ancelotti will depoly, bearing in mind he needs to start the season on a high.
Prior to defeat at Atlético, Real Madrid swept aside Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup with a fluid 4-4-2 which was then reverted back to a more familiar 4-3-3 for both games against Atletico. The latter formation saw Madrid struggling to prenetrate Los Rojiblancos’ two banks of four in the absence of Di Maria. Angel di Maria is unlikely to feature once again as he continues to be linked with a move away from the Bernabéu.
What complicates the system further is Ronaldo’s questionable fintness, depsite reports that he is match fit. After being substituted at half-time in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup, the Portuguese man played only 45 minutes, coming on for Toni Kroos.
Ancelotti will need to weigh up the need to rest Ronaldo against James Rodriguez, who still looks a little rusty after a laborious World Cup. The solution to such an issue may well be reverting to the 4-4-2 showcased agains Sevilla. Such a formation would see either the Ballon d’Or winner or the Colombian alongside Benzema upfront, considerably reducing the physical workload for the pair by removing them from the wing.
While Real Madrid begin their campaign with numerous title ambitions, Cordoba return to the top flight for the first time in 42 years. The visitors dramatically sealed their La Liga place in the second leg of the Segunda play-off final last season. After a break in play, Cordoba got the away goal they needed against Las Palmas to ensure promotion. Despite former FC Barcelona fullback Albert Ferrer bringing in the likes of Borja Garcia, Mike Havenaar and Jose Angel Crespo, tonights clash is likely to be tough for the newly promoted side.
Fidel is another new arrival at the club and the Elche loanee sees no reason why his new team-mates cannot cause a shock at the home of the 32-time Spanish champions. The excitement of re-entering La Liga could give Cordoba the energy they need to break down an occasionally lackadaisical Madrid side.
"We're going to Madrid with all the enthusiasm in the world, with nothing to lose and to give the best image we possibly can," the 24-year-old said.
"Why can't we take something positive away from the match? You never know in football, there can always be surprises. We can give them a surprise in the first round."
Likely line ups:
Real Madrid: Casillas; Marcelo, Pepe, Ramos, Carvajal; Kroos, Modric, Alonso; Rodriguez; Benzema, Bale
Cordoba: Saizar; Pantic, Crespo, Bouzon, Bravo; Adel, Ekeng, Luso, Cartabia, Rossi; Xisco