It was bound to happen since it’s hard to stay at the top of your game for an extended period of time. Real Madrid lost against Celta de Vigo in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, their second defeat in less than a week. With the distance in La Liga reduced, Málaga visits the Santiago Bernabéu to spice things up and maybe take advantage of their rival’s current stumbling form.
Preferred Lineup: 4-3-3
Zinedine Zidane will undoubtedly be on the receiving end of criticism after 40 unbeaten matches. A good number of his men seem to have fallen into a valley. This can be a physical problem or also be part of a mental block after having avoided defeat since last April. He can’t afford to keep dropping points, so he’ll have to send out the best in each position, regardless of their name.
GK: Keylor Navas
The two clean sheets that started off 2017 have been left behind by seven conceded goals in three matches. It seemed that Casilla might steal the starting role, but he’s also going through a rough moment.
Defense
RB: Nacho Fernández
Dani Carvajal’s unfortunate and untimely injury forced Danilo’s presence during the week. His poor performance can be costly in the long run. It’s a safe bet to assume Nacho will be tested in order to replace the injured man.
CB: Raphaël Varane
With Pepe still out, the defense isn’t exactly filled with alternatives in the center, especially if Nacho will move to the right side. The boss must have a serious talk with the defense, as the number of conceded goals this season is cause for concern.
CB: Sergio Ramos
The captain conditioned his performance by getting a yellow card very early on. After being the one to blame for the record’s ending, he needs to show what he’s made of by not letting his temper and mental state get the best of him.
LB: Marcelo
His goal could be very helpful once the final aggregate is tabulated. While his presence in attack is very important when others are lacking, there needs to be a bigger priority in the response time of teammate errors.
Midfield
RCM: Luka Modrić
As usual, he’s the main creative force of the squad. Nevertheless, when he’s left alone in this task, it can lead to the team’s poor overall showing. It’s difficult to imagine him being benched on Saturday.
CM: Casemiro
When the creative minds seem to have an off day, whatever the #14 does is more apparent. He certainly is shining compared to his teammates. Even though he deserves a break soon enough, it doesn’t seem likely on Saturday.
LCM: Toni Kroos
The German is one of the most used players by Zizou this season. Still, if beating this negative situation is the main goal, leaving him out isn’t really ideal. When things get better, Kovačić, Isco, James, or Asensio can let him rest.
Attack
RW: Lucas Vázquez
With an erroneous decision, he gave Celta the chance of scoring the second goal. He was taken out almost immediately. Although it wasn’t clear why this happened, Lucas is still a man who will try to do his best. James or Isco could be a possibility.
ST: Karim Benzema
Neither he nor Álvaro Morata did a good job as substitutes versus Celta. It may be a sign of the team’s current dynamic. Because of the affinity of the #9 and the coach, Morata will stay out of the lineup for this one.
LW: Cristiano Ronaldo
His name and historic career make him rather untouchable. However, he’s not being the player everyone expects him to be. If he’s not doing well, give another man a chance. Gareth Bale’s absence is being felt right now.
