Real Madrid cannot trust again as they did in the Champions League against Wolfsburg, where they lost 2-0 in Germany, and will take to the field at Santiago Bernabeu to overcome an Eibar that fights in the middle of the Spanish League table.
[Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 and ended their unbeaten streak of 39 matches in the Spanish League]
However, after seeing the possibility of winning the domestic tournament far away (they are third with 69 points, seven points behind leaders Barcelona), the 'merengue' team will send a 'B team' to the field.
Goalkeeper Keylor Navas and Croatian Luka Modric will not be in the midfield. Frenchman Karim Benzema suffered a strong blow to his left knee in European competition and will focus on being ready for the next Tuesday's second leg. Meanwhile, Sergio Ramos is suspended and Varane is injured. The Madrid team will be a testing ground.
Coach Zinedine Zidane knows that the entire season is at stake against Wolfsburg, whom they must overcome by more than two goals to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals.
If Zidane rests German Toni Kroos, Croatian Mateo Kovacic would enter the field. Up front, Benzema's absence opens the door for Jesé Rodríguez with Borja Mayoral waiting for a new opportunity to score his first goal with the first team.
Meanwhile, Eibar will try to achieve their first victory in history against Real Madrid, whom they have faced three times in the League and twice in the Copa del Rey, with a record of four defeats and one draw.
Possible Lineups:
Real Madrid: Casilla; Carvajal, Pepe, Nacho, Marcelo; Kovacic or Kroos, Isco, James; Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jesé.
Eibar: Riesgo; Capa, Ramis, Pantic, David Juncà; Escalante, Dani García; Keko Gontán, Adrián or Sergi Enrich, Inui or Saúl Berjón; and Borja Bastón.
Time: 9:00 am