Real Madrid will be looking to kick on after the international break when they travel to face Espanyol on Saturday afternoon.
Slow beginnings for Espanyol
Little is still unknown of what will be expected of Espanyol’s season with one victory and one defeat to their name so far this season.
It proved a very difficult summer for Sergio Gonzalez’s side as four key players that were part of their 10th placed success last season have moved on with Kiko Casilla, Hector Moreno, Christian Stuani and top scorer Sergio Garcia.
Despite that they managed to start their 2015-16 campaign with a 1-0 victory over Getafe, however two late goals saw them defeated 3-1 by Villarreal.
If history is anything to go by Garcia’s side have absolutely no chance of victory on Saturday as they have failed to win against Madrid in little under eight years and over two years since they have taken any points from the Galaticos.
Benitez up and running
Former Madrid man Rafael Benitez was brought in after his spell with Napoli with the soul task to dethrone bitter rivals FC Barcelona.
However despite their uninspiring start with their goalless draw Sporting Gijon but faith was restored with an excellent demolition of Real Betis.
Braces from Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez and another from Karim Benzema helped in their stylish 5-0 victory in the former Liverpool coach’s first match at the Santiago Bernabeu.
They will hope that they’re trip to Espanyol won’t be a repeat of their first away game of the season as they currently sit two points behind their Catalan rivals and with games coming up against Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid, victory on Saturday could prove vital.
Team news
Sergio has the luxury of naming an unchanged side, however the 38-year-old is expected to make a number of changes after their performance last time out against Villarreal.
Rodriguez, who was instrumental in the win over Betis, and full-back Danilo are expected to miss the trip with thigh and foot injuries that they sustained on international duty with Colombia and Brazil respectively.
Dani Carvajal is expected to fill in for the Brazilian while Isco seems the national replacement for Rodriguez. Keylor Navas is expected to keep his place between the sticks despite nearly joining Premier League side Manchester United on deadline day.
Espanyol will host Real Madrid at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat on Saturday, September 12 with kick off at 3 PM BST.