Real Madrid: 5 takeaways from official squad vs. Eibar

Real Madrid have announced their 23-man squad against Eibar.

La Liga has returned, and Real Madrid will be anxious to get off to a winning start at the Alfredo Di Stefano on Sunday against Eibar. While Los Blancos defeated their opponents 4-0 on the road in November, they won’t be taking this match for granted.

Due to the new rules allowing five substitutions per game and a more grueling schedule which will require more rotations, Real Madrid have announced a 23-man squad for the match. Here are five takeaways from the official squad.

James Rodriguez is in

Real Madrid attacking midfielder James Rodriguez remains a fan favorite, but he hasn’t played in La Liga since the 1-0 loss to Mallorca, even though he was a standout in that match with five key passes and three fouls drawn, per WhoScored.com.

Injuries and Isco’s return to form have cast James on the periphery of Zinedine Zidane’s squad, and he’s even expected to permanently leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer on a transfer to either Atletico Madrid or the Premier League.

However, he has one final opportunity to make an impression. Hopefully, he stays healthy and takes it. A strong performance against Eibar off the bench could be a step in the right direction for the Colombian.