Real Madrid: 3 predictions against Eibar on Matchday 14

Real Madrid will face Eibar on Matchday 14 in La Liga. Here are three predictions for Los Blancos as they look to make it five wins in a row.

Since Zinedine Zidane’s job was at risk after a 2-0 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk, Real Madrid haven’t just been undefeated, they haven’t tied either. Los Blancos defeated Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, dominated Borussia Monchengladbach in that do-or-die Champions League tilt, tore apart league leaders Atletico Madrid in El Derbi, and then defeated Athletic Club 3-1 on Tuesday.

This Sunday at the Ipurua, Real Madrid will not only want to win their fifth straight match, but they’ll also want to get their all-world goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois a clean sheet.

Here are three predictions for Los Merengues on La Liga’s Matchday 14.

Real Madrid will win 2-0

Los Blancos defeated Borussia Monchengladbach and Atletico Madrid by this scoreline in the same week, thoroughly dominating both sides. And I expect them to have a similarly professional display at the Ipurua this Sunday.

Real have a fully-healthy back four, and Courtois is at his best in goal. He didn’t keep a clean sheet against Athletic Club due to an error from Sergio Ramos, but he actually parried the first shot. And then in the final minutes of the match, he had a point-blank save that led to a goal at the other end for Karim Benzema.

Look for Courtois to get another clean sheet against an Eibar side that has scored just nine goals this season, with striker Kike Garcia’s three goals tying a center back for the team lead.

Karim Benzema will score again

Karim Benzema is in fine form for Real Madrid, and his greatness in front of goal will continue on Matchday 14. He had a statement game in the win over Gladbach, scoring two goals in the first half with his head to ensure Zinedine Zidane would not be at any risk of losing his job.

While Benz was quiet against Atletico Madrid as a scorer, he played well when dropping off deep to create. Then on Tuesday vs. Athletic Club, Benzema bagged another brace, meaning he is headed for his best pocket of form since late October and early November before his injury.

Eibar are strong defensively with a mere 10 goals allowed in 13 matches, which makes up for their weak attack. But even the strongest defenses struggle to keep an in-form Benzema off the scoresheet, just as his importance to Real Madrid increases even more in these tough games.

Bryan Gil will cause Real Madrid the most issues

Edu Exposito and Kike Garcia are two familiar La Liga foes for Madridistas to watch, but the most focus should be on young Sevilla loanee Bryan Gil, who impressed late last season for Leganes when they got a 2-2 draw out of Los Merengues.

Gil has been Eibar’s best attacking player in 2020-2021 on the left wing, providing dangerous crosses and no shortage of dribbling ability to the current mid-table side.

The 19-year-old’s stats are phenomenal. Per WhoScored.com, Gil is averaging 2.1 key passes per game and 2.1 dribbles completed per game, and he’s drawing 2.4 fouls per match. Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez must be on their best behavior and must be ready to deal with Gil’s constant running at them. He is a future star in La Liga, if he isn’t already considered a star for Eibar.