Having drawn 2-2 against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, Real Madrid are set to return to action in La Liga with a match against the relegation-threatened Cadiz.
While there is a clear mismatch between the two teams on paper, this match can turn out to be a significant one for Los Blancos as a victory in this match can hand them the La Liga title, but only if Barcelona are unable to get a win against Girona.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be coming into this match in good spirits, as they won their last league match against Real Sociedad with a goal from Arda Guler. The Merengues also have a very good record of 26 wins, 6 draws, and 1 defeat. They have also scored 71 goals in the league up to now, while conceding only 22 in return.
On the other hand, their opponents are not having the best of seasons, as they are currently positioned 18th, and are fighting to retain their place in the top Spanish flight. Up to now, they have managed to secure only 4 wins in 33 league matches.
Carlo Ancelotti is expected to approach this match with significant changes in his lineup. The Belgian goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, is expected to make his first appearance this season after two serious injuries and getting surgery to recover from his ACL tear. With his return, only David Alaba remains in the Real Madrid infirmary.
Dani Carvajal is expected to feature in this match, as he was suspended for the first leg against Bayern Munich, while there will be several changes in the rest of the starting eleven, especially as Ancelotti will have an eye on the upcoming second leg of the UCL semi-final scheduled for this Wednesday.
Arda Guler and Eder Militao are once again expected to get the nod from Ancelotti, while Modric, Joselu, Brahim, and Fran Garcia can also get a start in this match.
On the other hand, Cadiz will be without several of the key players, with Fede San Emeterio, Jose Mari, Luis Hernandez, Jorge Mere, and Romingue Kouame all unavailable for Mauricio Pellegrino.
Thus, despite resting almost all of their starters, Real Madrid are still the favorites in this tie as their bench has high-quality players that can easily start for any other side in the league.
