Real Madrid vs Espanyol (4-0) Apr 30, 2022 Match Preview and Stats

Real Madrid vs Espanyol (4-0) Apr 30, 2022 Match Preview and Stats

Real Madrid host Espanyol on Saturday needing just a point to claim the La Liga title.

Carlo Ancelotti will make history at the weekend if his side earn at least a draw, as he will become the first manager in history to win titles in each of the Big 5 leagues.

However, Madrid have greater priorities than this given they are still very much in contention against Manchester City in the Champions League after losing the first leg of their semi-final 4-3 in what was a classic encounter.

With five opportunities for Ancelotti and his side to pick up the point they need, rotation is likely to be the order of the day for the clash against Espanyol.

Certainly, some will be forced. Eder Militao is missing along with Nacho Fernandez from the defence, while there are also serious injury doubts over David Alaba. It could mean that Jesus Vallejo and Rafa Marin start in a makeshift central defensive pairing.

Elsewhere in the back four, meanwhile, Marcelo can expect to start ahead of Ferland Mendy at left-back to give the Frenchman a breather.

Similarly, changes should be forecast in midfield, where veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos could be given reduced playing time, despite questions over Casemiro’s fitness. Edouardo Camavinga, Isco and Dani Ceballos could all step in.

Meanwhile, Ancelotti has decisions to make in attack. Does he keep the powder of Karim Benzema and Vini Jr dry for what is a more important date in midweek? With Rodrygo, Marco Asensio and Gareth Bale available, there is every chance that this superstar duo will not play the 90 minutes of Saturday’s game.

Of course, it would be preferable for Real Madrid to close out the title at the weekend, but the midweek return match with Manchester City must take precedence.

Possible Real Madrid XI vs Espanyol

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