Real Madrid aims to silence criticism

A way to heal wounds and leave doubts behind

Real Madrid (3rd with 24 points) wants to silence the critics after their poor performance in their last two matches (a 4-0 defeat at home against Barcelona in the Spanish League and a narrow 4-3 victory against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League) when they play on Sunday in Eibar's field (7th with 20 points) for the 13th round of the Spanish tournament.

[Real Madrid won with fear against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League]

The relaxation in the final stretch and the mistakes in set pieces are the focus to correct for Real Madrid's coach, Rafa Benitez, who hopes his players show a fighting spirit.

Benitez will make changes in his lineup. With the return of Costa Rican Keylor Navas in goal and the entrance of Colombian James Rodriguez. In defense, the Madrid coach has no other choice.

Injuries to Sergio Ramos and Marcelo were added this week to the one suffered by Raphael Varane, extending a plague of injuries that is becoming a concern. Nacho Fernandez will have to play alongside Pepe in defense and one of the right-backs will have to change position, either Dani Carvajal or Danilo, since Arbeloa has very few chances of being a starter.

[Real Madrid vs. Shakhtar Donetsk: Merengues look to bounce back after Barcelona thrashing]

With the absence of Isco due to suspension, Benitez's main doubt lies again in Casemiro. He was a substitute against Barcelona and his team missed his presence. He returned against Lviv and excelled in his role. His presence in the lineup would mean a second consecutive substitute appearance for Toni Kroos or Karim Benzema.

Everything indicates that the Frenchman, after a difficult week with new statements regarding the alleged blackmail with a sexually explicit video, can wait for his opportunity until the second half.

[Real Madrid: Florentino Perez backs Rafa Benitez as the team's coach]

Cristiano Ronaldo found his goal-scoring form again, scoring a brace and dominating in Europe as the top scorer. He seeks to react in the league at Ipurua and extend a connection with Gareth Bale that showed its best version in Ukraine. The Welshman, who has not scored since August, needs a good performance in a match that, after the storm, could bring calm to Madrid.

A FIERCE OPPONENT
Meanwhile, Eibar welcomes the Madrid team in a good moment. They are in a European position despite their main goal being to secure their place in the top division. They have little experience in the top flight, having played only 50 matches in La Liga, with 14 wins, 13 draws, and 23 defeats.

[Real Madrid: Rafa Benitez would be fired if he doesn't win next match against Shakhtar Donetsk]

The team coached by Jose Luis Mendilibar has several characteristics that make them dangerous for their opponents. They are difficult to beat, having only lost two matches in twelve rounds of the league, against the top two teams, Barcelona (3-1) and Atletico Madrid (0-2).

Their consistency is one of their best weapons. In the last eight matches, they have scored points in seven (3 wins and 4 draws), except for their defeat at the Camp Nou. Additionally, they score goals easily, having scored 17. This will be the second time Real Madrid visits Ipurua in the league, after their debut season where they won 4-0, with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, James, and Benzema.

Mendilibar has three absences. Winger Sergio Gotan 'Keko' has been suspended for his expulsion against Villarreal, while defender Manuel Castellano 'Lillo' and goalkeeper Jaime Jimenez are injured. Ander Capa will return after serving his suspension match for card accumulation, and attacking midfielder Simone Verdi, who has recovered from a groin strain, is also available.

Possible lineups:
Eibar: Riesgo; Capa, Dos Santos, Pantic, David Juncà; Escalante, Dani García; Takashi Inui, Borja Bastón or Adrián, Saúl Berjón; and Sergi Enrich. Coach: José Luis Mendilibar.
Real Madrid: Keylor Navas; Carvajal, Pepe, Nacho Fernández, Danilo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; James, Bale, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Coach: Rafa Benitez.
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Stadium: Ipurua (Eibar).
Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano.
TV: Directv (610 SD and 1610 HD).

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