Venue: Santiago Benabeu, Madrid
Date: 09/07/2016
Kick-off: 7:30 PM GMT / 02:30 PM EST
Television coverage: Sky Sports 1/HD; beIN Sports USA, beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A., beIN Sports en Español (USA)
Online Streaming: fuboTV (USA), Sky Go (UK)
Match
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid took the surprise decision of dispensing with the services of manager Rafael Benitez following their 2-2 draw against Valencia last time out and now club legend Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the replacement for the Spaniard.
Many within the club are hoping that Zidane will be able to do a good job at the helm of Madrid but it goes without saying that the French great has a tough job on his hands in his first foray into top level management.
Zidane’s debut as manager of the Real Madrid senior side will be a clash against Deportivo La Coruna and the encounter certainly poses a challenge for the 43-year old.
Injury Doubts: Dani Carvajal, Mateo Kovacic (Suspended)
Real Madrid Probable Lineup: Navas; Marcelo, Varane, Ramos, Danilo; James, Kroos, Modric; Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale
Deportivo La Coruna News
After guiding the club away from relegation last season, manager Víctor Sánchez has worked wonders with Deportivo La Coruna and following a fine start this term, the Brancoazuis are currently occupying 7th place in the La Liga table.
On current form, a place in Europe seems well within the realms of possibility for Deportivo but Sanchez surely cannot allow his players to get carried away anytime soon and with the table so tight at the moment, they will be better served taking one game at a time – with giants Real Madrid up next.
Injury Doubts: Luisinho, Cani, Celso Borges, Agosto Fabri
Deportivo La Coruna Probable Lineup: Lux; Navarro, Sidnei, Arribas, Bergantiños; Mosquera, Fajr, Juanfran, Luis Alberto; Cartabia, Lucas Pérez
Prediction
Madrid have claimed 9 victories in their last 10 encounters against Depor and despite the managerial change, Los Blancos will be heading into the clash as favourites.
That said, the fixture will not be easy for Madrid and Zidane will have to see his players work very hard in order to claim the three points.
Real Madrid 2 – 1 Deportivo La Coruna
