Real Madrid vs Espanyol

8/3- Real Madrid are going through a horrid phase and a team that had hardly thought of defeat throughout the season have been defeated 5 times in the last 10 matches which includes a loss to AS Roma in a crucial second leg match of the Champions League. However their strong lead in the beginning of the season has kept them at the top and in a very important home tie this week they take on Espanyol, one of the sides that were able to defeat Real Madrid in the earlier part of the season. Espanyol are placed on the fifth place and were able to beat real Madrid 2-1 while playing at home in the last encounter between the sides that happened in the initial stages of this season. Real Madrid are five points clear of the second placed Barcelona and would like to keep the gap as it is or possibly increase it but Espanyol is a side that can give them a run for their money.

Real Madrid were able to defeat Recreativo Huelva in an away tie in their last Laliga match and that would be something they can carry into this home tie. They are also well clear of Barcelona and would not be posed of the threat of immediate loss of the top position. Raul seems to have found his best form and the side would be hoping to capitalise on that along with the ability of Ruud Van Nistelrooy in the front. A win here would put them 8 points clear of second placed team and hence would also put a lot of pressure on Barcelona.

Espanyol on the other hand would want to improve on their 5^th position and their confidence would be sky high after the 2-0 home win against Valencia last week.

Prediction: 2-1, Real Madrid win