With the teams coming back to their stadiums to welcome fans for the opening round of the Spanish La Liga, all of us must be eagerly waiting for the champions to play, so that we can see how well they are prepared to defend their crown. Real Madrid will try to start the new campaign on a winning note when they visit the feisty Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday night.
DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA vs. REAL MADRID
Three-way: 1: Deportivo la Coruna +1045; X: +520 Draw; 2: Real Madrid -250
Spread +1.5: Deportivo La Coruna +108; Real Madrid -109
Total +3.5: Over +129; Under -132
DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA
Deportivo La Coruna struggled a lot last season, as they were constantly in the danger of being dragged into a relegation scrap. However, they managed to get enough points to stay afloat as they finished with 36 points, at 16th position; just 5 points clear from relegation. They had a weak attack that managed to score just 43 goals through the entire league campaign. However, their defense was even weaker, as it conceded 61 goals in the league. Such a weak attack and defense was one of the main reasons why Depor struggled so much last season.
They have brought some new signings in the club, with the hope that they will prove to be the missing component that was required for the team to function smoothly. All of the three permanent signings are defensive in nature. They have signed Swiss center back Fabian Schar from Hoffenheim for 2 million while bringing Guilherme from Udinese for 4.5 million Euros. They have also signed young Spanish right back Gerard Valentin from Gimnastic for 1 million. Apart from these three players, they have also brought in Belgian youngster Zakaria Bakkali on a year-long loan deal from Valencia.
Deportivo La Coruna had a really good preseason, as the team, especially the new signings have shown a sense of cohesion among them. They took part in 10 friendly matches, out of which they won 8, drawing 1, and losing 1. During this period, they scored a massive 32 goals, while conceding just 7. It must be noted though that most of these friendlies were against lower league oppositions, however, they still show the improvement the Depor has gone through.
There are two players who are sure to miss the league opener this weekend. Winger Carles Gil is out with a groin injury sustained in the preseason and won’t be fit in time for this match. Midfielder Emre Colak is out of the fixture due to an indirect yellow card suspension.
REAL MADRID
Currently, it will not be an understatement to say that Real Madrid is the best team in the world. From Back to back UCL titles to La Liga holders, to current Ballon d’Or winner, to incredible squad depth and a menacing attack, Real Madrid has it all. After Zidane’s appointment, the club has reached new heights, and interestingly, that too without their usual glitz and glamour approach. The French legend has brought his genius as a player into the dressing room, as he has brilliantly handled a team with many big egos and made them one. Last year, Real Madrid waltzed their way to the title, as they scored in each and every game in the season. They scored 106 goals as each and every member of the squad contributed to the attack while keeping a decent defensive record with 41 goals conceded, which doesn’t matter as their attack is more than enough to win them games.
When one says Real Madrid and transfers, the word Galacticos comes to mind. However, Zidane has managed to change that, as now the club is focusing on bringing in young, talented players, who will be slowly nurtured into top class players in the future, with Marco Asensio being a sensational example.
They have bought teenage left back Theo Hernandez from Atletico Madrid for a sum of 30 million Euros, as he looks set to be Marcelo’s long term replacement. They have also signed Spanish youngster Dani Cabellos from Real Betis for 17 million Euros, which might prove to be a bargain in the current market. Moreover, they have also managed to earn huge profits from the sales of Morata to Chelsea, and Danilo to City, which has given them more money to spend in case Zizou wants more players in his squad.
Real Madrid had some disappointing results in pre season friendlies, like the 3:2 defeat against Barcelona, 4:1 loss against Man City and the 2:1 defeat against Manchester United. However, Los Blancos seem to be well aware of their priorities, as they were back in form when the competitive games arrived. They defeated Manchester United in the UEFA Super Cup by 2:1, while defeating bitter rivals Barcelona in the Spanish super cup, in both legs, with the final score being 5:1 on aggregate. This shows that Zinedine Zidane has instilled a winning mentality in the squad, as they have the ability to get their head down and get results, irrespective of form and fitness.
There are a couple of players who will miss the opening match as the champions look forward to defending their crown. Young Centre-back Jesus Vallejo will be out in the medical room, as he is recovering from a Muscle injury he suffered about a week ago. The other absentee will be star player Ronaldo, who has been punished for four matches due to his push on the referee in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup. Although he is arguably the most important attacker of the team, Zidane has enough tricks (read as, replacements) up his sleeve, that the Portuguese’s absence would not put any negative impact on the team.
DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA vs. REAL MADRID – Match prediction:
Although this is an away game for the champions, it is really difficult to envisage anything other than a Real Madrid victory here. They have a more experienced squad, good form, and moreover, they have the wind in their sails after that drubbing of Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup.
On the other side, Deportivo team is in a positive mood after a good preseason, but they will probably find it a way too difficult to win against Real Madrid. Therefore, my prediction will be a high scoring encounter in which the visitors will take all three points.
MY PICK: Over 3.5 goals (+129)
