La Liga: Madrid look to close in on Barcelona with win against Malaga.

 

Real Madrid: 73, Barcelona: 75

Loss can never be justified in the last weeks of a dramatic season.

Real Madrid host Malaga this Saturday to ensure they remain in the title race. Real Madrid lie two points behind Luis Enrique's Barcelona who take on Valencia later today.

Carlo Ancelotti, who has insisted in midweek that Real Madrid may not offer an extension if things go worse at the end of the season, will look to put off weight from his shoulder with a win. 

The match is one final test before the highly awaited Champions League reverse fixture against Atletico Madrid. With seven games left in the league, Real Madrid hope Valencia will stun Catalans at Camp Nou.

With Casillas starting at goal, Real Madrid look for a stable defence and a momentous attack.

                                                           Casillas

  Carvajal---------------------Varane-----------------------Ramos-------------------------Marcelo

                         Modric--------------------Kroos----------------------James

                       Isco------------------------Benzema------------------Ronaldo

Bale should be dropped and Isco should start at right flank. Ronaldo must come down from the box and swap from an attacker to a winger. Real Madrid must practise their old-fashioned counter attacking football.

If Real Madrid win and Barcelona draw, then both teams lie 76 points and Real lead at head-to-head basis. If both teams win, then things remain same. If Real draw or lose, then league may be declared over. 

The match is expected to start at 20:00 CET at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. The live coverage will be availabe in Bein Sports, SkySports, Canal+.                           

"I ask Bale to score and get assists" - Ancelotti

  

"Running is no problem for Bale".

The Italian has shut reporter's mouth after questioning Bale's form this season.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti hit back at reporters after the Italian was asked on Bale.

The ex-PSG coach  said that Bale knows to "run" and he didn't want to explain more to the Welshman. Bale came to the Spanish capital last season for a record 100-million and Ancelotti said that Bale knows how important it is to work hard and to get a starting place in XI.

Isco is currently in starting XI for Bale. And the Spaniard has been in impressive form this season. However, Ancelotti has said that he wants goals and assists from Bale and also said that rotation would take place in the squad.

"I ask Bale to score and get assists and do what he did last year. Running is no problem for Bale. I dont have to tell him like others. They knew it".

"If someone has to be left out to give up a place for Bale, I'll tell him it's nothing definitive. Rotation is normal at this time.Whoever doesnt play tomorrow, will play next game."

Ancelotti also expressed that his side wont change plans against Rayo. He also said that he just don't like such teams.

"I don't like teams that change their ideas against some opponents. Rayo are a great example of Spanish football," he added.

"I'm worried that there are too many compliments. That means that, when things aren't going well, there will be too much criticism. The season is very long."