Real Madrid take on Elche at the Santiago Bernabeu this afternoon and can move clear at the top of the table before Barcelona and Atletico play their matches over the course of the weekend.
The Madrid press has plenty of pre-match coverage, but Marca goes for an image of Karim Benzema on its front page this morning, and quotes from their exclusive interview with the Frenchman.
The 26-year-old is enjoying his best campaign to date as a Los Blancos player and has formed a formidable understanding with his other attacking partners, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
It hasn’t all be smiles and happiness for the France forward though, as he has endured a turbulent relationship with the fans, his low point being booed and whistled at the start of the season for not apparently not making enough effort. He told Marca the boo boys made life difficult for him, but he is a strong character and kept working hard knowing the goals would eventually come.
He also discusses Madrid’s chances on the trophy hunt, and says the squad is determined to win every competition they are in. “My objective is to win everything, although the league will be a tough fight until the end” he said.
Elsewhere, AS goes with a picture of Jese on the front page, and says when Ronaldo is missing, Los Blancos have a ready-made replacement. In ludicrous circumstances, the Tribunal Administrativo del Deporte (TAD) will decide this morning whether Ronaldo’s appeal over his ban can be overturned. If it is, he will be available for today’s match.
