Ace Football previews the La Liga match between SD Eibar and Real Madrid, and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.
Real Madrid head to northern Spain in search of a fifth consecutive win for a La Liga match against SD Eibar at the Ipurua Municipal Stadium.
The revitalized visitors sit third in the league standings on 26 points from 13 games. Eibar, on the other hand, are down in 13th-place on a mere 15 points in comparison and just four points above the drop zone.
Toni Kroos, Sergio Ramos, and Marcelo were all on target to help Real Madrid claim a 3-1 win over Eibar in their last meeting back in June. It was their 10th victory over the Basque club in only 12 league fixtures (D2).
That, along with their excellent form of late, should leave the defending La Liga champions in good shape despite the hosts having proven to be tricky opponents to beat.
SD Eibar Form & Stats
Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side have become draw specialists recently, having settled for four stalemates in their last five league games (W1). They’re on a six-match unbeaten in all competitions, which should leave them high on confidence.
But Eibar have the worst goal record in La Liga this season, with just nine goals in their 13 outings. The first goal often determines the outcome of their games, as the Gunsmiths have only recovered from a one-nil deficit once to claim a result. They’ve also failed to score in their last five home league games.
The hosts also have a poor record against Real Madrid, having lost 10 of their last 12 league meetings (D2) since reaching the Spanish top-flight for the first time in their history back in 2014/15.
That said, it’s worth noting Eibar have the second-best defensive record in La Liga with 10 goals conceded in 13 games. Only Atletico Madrid, who sit top of the points standings, have fared better on five goals conceded.
Key Team Stats
- Winless in their last 7 home league games this season (D4 L3).
- Unbeaten in their last 5 league games (W1 D4).
- 0-0 draws in 4 of their 7 home league games this season.
- Under 2.5 goals in each of their last 5 home league games.
- The league’s second-best defensive record on 10 conceded goals.
- At least 3 goals have occurred in their last 7 games against Real Madrid.
Real Madrid Form & Stats
Los Blancos, on the other hand, have won their last four games in all competitions to get their domestic and European campaigns back on track. Another victory on Sunday would move them level on 29 points with La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid.
While Atletico boast a game in hand, of course, it’s still an impressive turnaround. Real Madrid were in a bit of a crisis at the beginning of December, with two consecutive defeats costing them valuable ground. It naturally prompted doubts over Zinedine Zidane’s future as manager.
But the pressure has since eased as Martin Odegaard, Luka Jovic, and Mariano Diaz return. Eden Hazard is the only long-term absentee left. Although Zidane has lost Isco and Vinicius to an ankle problem and stomach upset over the past week.
Based on their current run of form and excellent record against Eibar, Real Madrid will no doubt fancy taking all three points at the Ipurua. In fact, anything less would have to be considered a disappointment.
Grabbing that first goal could very determine the outcome of the match in their favor. Zidane’s men have broken the deadlock in 13 of their 19 games this season and proceeded to win 11 times (D1 L1). On the five occasions they’ve conceded the first goal, however, they’ve settled for one draw and four defeats.
Key Team Stats
- Won their last four games in all competitions.
- Won 10 of their last 12 league games against Eibar (D2).
- Scored the first goal in 5 of their 7 away league games this season (W4 D2 L1).
- Won both halves in each of their last 2 games.
- At least one penalty has occurred in 4 of their 6 away league games this season.
- Casemiro has picked up a yellow card in 5 of his last 8 league games.
- Karim Benzema has scored 7 goals in 7 league games against Eibar.
Team News
Eibar: Jose Angel, Cote, Rober Correa, Sergi Enrich, Quique Gonzalez, Esteban Burgos (out).
Real Madrid: Eden Hazard, Isco, Vinicius Junior (out).
Predicted Line-up
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top Goalscorers in Recent Games
Head-To-Head Record
Below are some head-to-head stats on each team’s recent form in La Liga.
Match Facts
Betting Tips
More Odds
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