Real Madrid will end their streak of away fixtures to start off their La Liga title defence with the game against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium. Los Blancos have done a good job navigating through their first two games of the season, beating Almeria 2-1 and Celta Vigo 4-1, both away from home. Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be returning to Santiago Bernabeu after this, in a tough game against Real Betis.
The pressure is on Real Madrid to produce a result against Espanyol, with Real Betis having won their game this weekend, going top of the table with nine points from their first three league games.
On the other hand, Osasuna’s perfect start came to an end, as they were handed a defeat, meaning only Real Madrid and Villarreal can join Real Betis at the top, if they win their respective game in hand.
Real Madrid have their issues going into the match against Espanyol though, with their options in defence very limited. In fact, Carlo Ancelotti could only name five defenders in his squad for the game – David Alaba, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal. The club tweeted:
📋✅ ¡Nuestros convocados para el #EspanyolRealMadrid! pic.twitter.com/FsWhB0L47w
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) August 27, 2022
Real Madrid face major problem against Espanyol due to their lack of options in defence
Of course the issue arises from the fact that Nacho Fernandez, Jesus Vallejo and Alvaro Odriozola are all out of action at this point of time.
We know that Lucas Vazquez can step in at right-back if the situation calls for it, but even then, it would be an understatement to say that Ancelotti’s options at the back will be limited when Real Madrid come up against Espanyol.
One can only hope that anybody does not end up picking up an injury or getting sent off, cause that would only multiply Los Blancos’ problems on the day.