Historical facts confirm that Real Madrid must never give up and its own protagonists cling to that tradition to insist that there is a League and that the seven-point distance from Atlético, which even has one game less, is not far from decisive in the middle of the course. In order not to definitely lose the trail of the undisputed leader, the white team is obliged to win this Saturday in Valdebebas at Levante, one of those teams that plays well and is brave but usually leaves spaces in defense. Although Paco López’s team is more excited about the clash that will face his neighbor Villarreal next week in the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey, it is still another cheating match for the champion, with half a dozen casualties in the call and three Castilla players to complete the list.
They will not be in the Alfredo di Stéfano Sergio Ramos, still in discomfort and without renewing the contract that expires on June 30, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vázquez, Rodrygo Goes, Fede Valverde and Nacho Fernández, sick with coronavirus. Zidane is also still out, still positive for covid-19. Among the novelties, the presence of the youth squad Antonio Blanco stands out, who is in the first team dynamics after the departure of Ödegaard, Víctor Chust and Sergio Arribas. They are fundamental pieces in the team that Raúl directs and that on Sunday faces a key game against Rayo Majadahonda.
Is the distance with Atlético insurmountable ?, David Bettoni, Zidane’s main assistant and present for the second time in a row on the merengue bench after the good performances offered in Mendizorroza, was asked in the previous one. “No, there is much left. They are first because they deserve it, but there is still a long way to go and we are going to play every game. We are only thinking about tomorrow’s game, not about rivals, “said the former French footballer and coach. Apparently, he is calm and not even worried about Ramos’ physical and contractual situation. «I am not worried, I see him every day and he is recovering. He is our captain, a great professional. We’re not taking chances with him, but I can’t say more. Every week he is better and we will see how his knee is the next one, “he remarked.
Real Madrid play at home again 28 days later. Specifically, since Celta was measured, on January 2, a duel that the whites won 2-0. The Madridistas have chained five home games winning, showing that they have made a stronghold of Di Stéfano as in the final stretch of last season, just back from confinement. Gone are those defeats against rivals from the other League such as Cádiz or Alavés. But Levante is also growing, magnificent in the Copa del Rey and that has chained three games without falling in the league.
The granotas are presented with the tranquility that the fact of starting the day in the middle of the table gives them, five points from the relegation zone and eight points from the last European position held by Real Sociedad. Paco López could rotate some pieces to find a historical classification of the club for the Cup semifinals. Regarding the starters in the clash against Valladolid, the two center-backs, Rubén Vezo and Postigo, Melero or Malsa, could repeat in the midfield and Rochina or Bardhi in one of the bands. Jorge de Frutos and Nikola Vukcevic have not recovered in time to enter the list.
Probable lineups
- Real Madrid:
Courtois, Odriozola, Militao, Varane, Mendy, Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Asensio, Benzema y Hazard.
- levante:
Aitor, Miramón, Postigo, Rubén Vezo, Clerc, Malsa or Melero, Radoja, Bardhi or Rochina, Morales, Roger and Dani Gómez.
- referee:
Medié Jiménez (Catalan Committee).
- hour / TV:
16:15 h. Valdebebas (Movistar LaLiga)
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