Real Madrid plays a crucial match Sunday when they host Espanyol.
A match against a 19th place foe is not usually looked on as a major match in the middle of December, but Madrid must win this match in order to make up lost ground on Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. With both squads (first and second in the league) facing off at the Camp Nou, Jose Mourinho's squad is slated to makeup on the gaps with both sides with a win over Espanyol. But they must win the match which has not always been automatic for this team this season. They lost Wednesday to 15th place Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey. With 10 wins, two draws, and three losses in 15 matches, Madrid is already five points behind crosstown rival Atletico Madrid and 11 behind Barcelona. If Atletico beats Barcelona and Real beats Espanyol the gap for first place drops to eight points. If Barcelona wins, Real Madrid would still be 11 points behind first place but just two behind second. A draw in that match closes the gap for Madrid with both sides if they manage to win. The team will be without Karim Benzema who is injured after the Copa del Rey match.
Their opponents are a woeful Espanyol side that has not won a Spanish League match in five weeks. They have one win, two draws, and four losses on the road and have won just two, drawn five, and lost eight overall.
Prediction: Real Madrid SHOULD win this with ease and Ronaldo should have a breakout game. 5-0 Madrid with at least two Ronaldo goals.
Start Time: 1 PM EST
TV Info: beIN Sport USA