It’s a return to La Liga action this afternoon as Real Madrid take on Granada. And Los Blancos must respond following to the 2-1 loss in the Clasico two weeks ago.
Real are on a run of just one win in five in all competitions and it’s been plain for all to see what the problems have been. Gareth Bale has gone off the boil and have taken the brunt of the anger from Madrid fans, while there is ever increasing pressure on boss Carlo Ancelotti. Some expect him to be out of a job in the summer should Real fail to win either the league or Champions League.
In terms of team news, Pepe is the only significant man unavailable through injury. The Portuguese injured his groin in the game at the Camp Nou and missed his country’s games last week. Ancelotti has said he should be back in time for the quarter-final showdown with Atletico de Madrid on April 14.
Isoc misses the match through suspension but the good news for Madrid is that James Rodriguez is back in the squad following a two-month layoff with a broken toe.
Welshman Bale has already said he doesn’t need to respond to his critics but will come back to Madrid rejuvenated after netting twice in the impressive 3-0 win over Israel.
The visitors need points in the battle for survival and are about to embark on a run of five games in which they take on four teams currently placed in the top half of the league. Granada boss Resino is expected to pack his midfield this afternoon so Javi Marquez could make an appearance.
Probable Line-ups:
Real Madrid: Casillas, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Modric, Kroos, Silva, Bale, Benzema, RonaldoGranada: Oier, Nyom, Murillo, Babin, Insua, Perez, Rico, Marquez, Bangoura, Piti, Cordoba
