I'll go with an ugly, struggling, unconvincing 2-1 win. Both goals from Cristiano Ronaldo.

 

The side has seen great football but they needs to exercise real precaution. Khedira was poorly handled (regretful really) and now he is injured. Man management at Real has to improve because players like Bale, Marcelo, Coentrao and Alonso have been dimmed out because of injuries. Bale in particular has to play with caution because he will get himself injured the way his going.

 

I just want to see BBC playing together. Give me at least that.
Very curious to see which back four Carlo will start with and who he'll start in midfield.

If we can rest Varane that would be ideal since he picked up a slight injury prior to his last game, let's not aggravate that shit and give him a rest.

I think we can afford to play Nacho as LB seeing that both our LB's are out still.

Has the game roster not been announced still? Is it usually the day before?

 

This game looks like a trap.
6 of our players come after a very physically and mentally exhausting playoff games. Hard to make the switch between the glory of qualifying to Brazil and just another hard game in Almeria.

4 other players had a long distance tour to Africa. Di Maria was in the US.

Games after the international break are always risky. Almeria won 3 straight games but there will be no excuses we can't afford to drop points.

Bale and Isco had some rest and should carry the team in this game. Casemiro impressed in preseason but he didn't play since September, I believe in his ability but he might be rusty. Hopefully he will take his chance just as Varane did when Pepe got injured.

 

Carlo called Jose Rodriguez.

Goalkeepers: Casillas, Diego López and Jesús
Defenders: Pepe, Ramos, Carvajal, Arbeloa and Nacho
Midfielders: Bale, Xabi Alonso, Casemiro, Modric, Isco, Illarra and José Rodríguez.
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Jesé and Morata

 

So no Di Maria, Varane, Marcelo, Coentrao and Khedira.
The last 4 are expected but what happened to Di Maria?

Ancelotti said in the press conference that Casemiro can take the place of Khedira, or he'll play both Illarra and Alonso with Isco as an attacking midfielder.

Seems the only uncertainty is the midfield trio.

Lopez
Carvajal Pepe Ramos Arbeloa
Alonso Illara
Isco
Bale-------------Ronaldo
Benzema​

 

 

Expectations should be kept lower for this game, with regards to what the players have gone through in the past week.

I still expect Benzema, Ronaldo and Bale to perform. They are the backbone of the side, which shall not be shattered. Benzema has to continue with his work rate and passing. Bale and Ronaldo act as wingers, chief threats while Benzema takes the seat in the passing department.

Defensively I am slightly concerned whenever Marcelo is injured. I want to see a fit defense because it has leaked goals so far. The defense played well in the last game though but as aforementioned, a whopping amount of shots conceded is nothing to be proud of...

The players are exhausted after the International break. I want to see always see them bring their game face always though, the excuses have to be left out.

The season has so far seen many excuses. Fault has been on Real so far as well. The side has to lower their heads and stay patient because things won't change. Ronaldo has been great while the others have seen mild success at best. Disappointing to put it into context.

I would like to see the side stay motivated if anything. I would even prefer it if the side just kept it solely on motivation and not on the result because it's been damp. It's a long journey and staying happy is vital, this is not a race, this is not a competition to see who is pumping their chests out even further. There is no time to even point fingers.

I fear the season could turn for the worse if Real don't get worked up over every single little thing. There's still a chance to do something, though time has run out, this was always going to be a transition season. I would hate to hit out on anyone.

I feel pressure has played its role on the team as well, particularly to perform on a consistent basis. Which has left the squad with fewer players.

How much can someone blame Mourinho? How much can someone blame Ozil leaving? I blame neither because it may have been a mess created by these events but you can't blame them all the time. Pressure has reached new heights with Real. Hopefully this time of decompression will end.

It's about damage limitation. After a fresh five injuries (Varane, Khedira, Coentrao, Marcelo and Di Maria), it's just getting through these games, I'm not expecting anything else.

 

 

My team:

Lopez
Carvajal Pepe Ramos Arbeloa
Alonso Illaramendi
Bale Modric Ronaldo
Benzema

 

Marca says its going to be Illara, Xabi Alonso, and Isco. If that's true I'd reckon we go to a clear 4-2-3-1:

Carvajal - Pepe - Ramos - Arbeloa
Xabi Alonso - Illara
Bale - Isco - Ronaldo
Benzema

I like the look of that team and am anxious to see how they perform.

 

Looking forward to see Isco playing. Having him behind Bale-Ronaldo-Benzema will give him some freedom and space to work his magic.

I want to see Casemiro, Jese and Morata getting some minutes today.

Hopefully we'll avoid surprises and injuries.

 

a win will do just fine today;i have no demands for joga bonito,maybe another time.

 

 

Hope to see a big game from Isco.

 

1-0

Cristiano Ronaldo

3rd minute

 

Lol Ronaldo with another goal such a bore.

 

Domination so far. Benz should have made it 2-0 with a bit more intensity.

 

Try to control the ball possession with the wingers, Benzema has to back off and then kick into gear. Alonso and Illaramendi have to get the ball back, try to put Almeria under pressure.

So far so good. Though Bale's involvement has been minimal, as well as the attacking threat which has to see a definite improvement. Bale has run at the defense but his end product is missing. Ronaldo has been decent but he has to get his runs in. Benzema has to run right behind the defense, get a decent ball through or a shot.

Defensively it's been good with Illaramendi and Alonso. They have been consistent and defended well. It's just not as good as done for now. This game has to be finished off by creating better chances. Benzema has to drop deeper, as well as Bale actually taking his. To get at Almeria, there just has to be a superiority. Ronaldo must up it, Bale has to play within himself and Benzema needs to look at his wingers.

Bale has to take reins now. Jese comes in to provide.

Attack through the center, cool down the tempo.

Wait and find the pass, don't be hasty. Time those runs, both from Bale and Morata.

Casemiro has to role to run at the defense and put serious pressure defensively and offensively.

 

dude Are you a coach or something ? Where do you come up with all these analysis ?

 

We started the game so well, they couldn't handle our attacks. Our conversion rate is disappointing. We faded out towards the end of the 1st half.

Bale is trying too hard, he tries to force himself on the game and take the wrong decisions. We have a great team chemistry this days and there is no need to be selfish. His chances will come.

I love how Illara plays with one touch. Smart player and his combination with Alonso working well so far.

Isco took only 3 minutes to create a goal. I just love this player tough he can do much better.

Ronaldo's hunger and focus are superb. The WC qualification had little effect on him unlike Benz who looks a bit off.

Shame it's only 1-0. We need to take our chances.

 

They must have seen your last comment

 

Cristiano hurt and substituted. Walked off on his own power, didn't seem bad. Probably felt something in the hamstring category.

Jese on.

Only 1-0 still and in the 56th minute now. Our level has dropped considerably.

 

Really hope Cristiano is okay.

 

Goal Benzema!

2-0!

Nicely hammered, left-footed finish from just outside the box.

 

Is this a Spanish-enough Madrid for you guys right now? p

DIEGO LOPEZ

CARVAJAL - Pepe - RAMOS - ARBELOA

ILLARRAMENDI - XABI ALONSO

JESE - ISCO - Bale

MORATA​

 

Hugo.

DIEGO LOPEZ

CARVAJAL - Pepe - RAMOS - ARBELOA

ILLARRAMENDI - XABI ALONSO

JESE - ISCO - Bale

MORATA​

... and 5 Canteranos!

Priceless :star:

 

3-0!

GARETH BAAAAAAAAAAALE!