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Match preview
After a quite extraordinary comeback in the Copa del Rey in mid-week, can Real Madrid start to build some momentum?
On Thursday night, los Blancos’ Copa hopes looked set to go up in flames, 2-0 down at half time against Villarreal, having already lost at El Madrigal in the league just 12 days earlier.
However, against all odds, Vinícius Júnior and then Éder Militão got it back to 2-2, before Dani Ceballos’ calm finish just three minutes from time snatched the win.
The following morning, Real were drawn against Atlético Madrid in the quarter-finals, so what a tie that’ll be next mid-week.
Before then, Carlo Ancelotti’s team need to keep pace with leaders Barcelona; the gap is currently three points.
Last Sunday, Barça demolished Real 3-1 in the Supercopa de España Final, leading many to suggest the Catalan giants are now favourites for the La Liga title.
Athletic Club meantime also lost a big game last weekend, hammered 3-1 by Real Sociedad at Anoeta in the Basque derby.
Ernesto Valverde’s team have now failed to win all three of their league matches since the World Cup break, slipping down to eighth as a result.
Nevertheless, Athletic are also going strong in the Copa del Rey, beating Espanyol 1-0 on Wednesday, with Óscar de Marcos the match-winner.
The Lions will travel to Valencia in the last eight, but will first and foremost be desperate to claim the scalp of Real Madrid.
This Sunday night fixture at San Mamés is not to be missed.
