The Real Champs
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Match Preview: RCD Espanyol vs Real Madrid

By Sunil Gurubhagwatla

LEGANES, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 21: Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team's third goal with his teammates during the La Liga match between CD Leganes and Real Madrid at Estadio Municipal de Butarque on February 21, 2018 in Leganes, Spain.Ê (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
LEGANES, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 21: Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team's third goal with his teammates during the La Liga match between CD Leganes and Real Madrid at Estadio Municipal de Butarque on February 21, 2018 in Leganes, Spain.Ê (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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Real Madrid Team News

(Photo by Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
(Photo by Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images) /

Real Madrid will welcome Sergio Ramos (suspension) and Marco Asensio (wisdom tooth extraction) back to the match day squad. Marcelo, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are still absent as they are still nursing their injuries. Jesus Vallejo is yet to re-join the group, however, he has started training with the ball.

Zidane has been masterful with his troops in the absence of his star men. Zidane has tried a different version of 4-4-2 with Kovacic and Casemiro as the double pivot. Casemiro has been playing in a slightly more advanced role which has not suited him well. On the other hand, Kovacic has been brilliant and has made most of the game time he is receiving due to midfield duo Modric and Kroos. He has been very effective in the deep play-maker role.

The most intriguing has been the other two positions in the midfield. There is Lucas Vazquez, Marco Asensio, Isco and Gareth Bale. Lucas has been the most impressive, with 5 assists and a goal. Asensio too has been putting in bright performances. The two are knocking on Zidane’s door for more game time with every performance. Theo too has been much better than what we have seen from him in his occasional appearances.

Real’s next game against Getafe is just a couple of days separated from the PSG return leg. In order to keep his preferred XI fresh, Zidane should be playing a full strength squad against Espanyol. The team selection would be a statement of intent from Zidane before the mega return leg clash at Parc des Princes.

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