Thursday’s Real Links: 32 teams, 1 trophy
By Ben Sundock
La Liga Links
Can Antoine Griezmann find his form in the Madrid Derby?
It will be fun to see who can return to form in the first Derby of the year. Will it be Griezmann? Will it be Ronaldo? Will it be both?
Both players have been in a bit of drought recently in the league and they both usually show up big in this rivalry match.
If I had to guess, I would say Cristiano finds his footing and bags a brace. Griezmann, on the other hand, hasn’t been playing badly, he just hasn’t been able to find the back of the net.
Diego Simeone has already picked his starting 11 for Saturday
This is big for Zidane and his team knowing the lineup Atleti are going to deploy this weekend.
According to leaks, the starting lineup will consist of: Jan Oblak; Juanfran, Stefan Savic, Diego Godin, Lucas Hernandez; Gabi; Angel Correa, Thomas Partey, Saul Niguez, Koke; Antoine Griezmann.
This is a rather attacking lineup from Simeone and Real Madrid will have to be prepared to stop the high pressure.
Malaga players recognize challenge ahead sitting in last place
With just one win and one draw in 11 matches, Malaga players and coaches recognize the tough task ahead as they try to avoid relegation.
Defender Roberto Rosales said that with the team four points away from 17th, every match is like a final now. “When you are in last place, each game must be seen as a final, that is the only way out.”
It will be a tough ask for this team who has struggled to find goals.