Basque minnows Eibar are a great story, having risen through the ranks to make their debut in the Spanish top flight only last season. They finished inside the relegation zone, though with mid-table Elche punished for financial mismanagement, the tiny club were reinstated -- and they're making the most of their second chance. With over a quarter of the season gone, they find themselves in the unlikely position of challenging for the European places, and above the likes of Valencia and Sevilla.
Eibar vs. Real Madrid 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Real Madrid certainly shouldn’t be expecting an easy ride away at Eibar on Sunday.
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
However, they'll have one of their toughest tests of the season on Sunday, with Real Madrid coming to their tiny stadium in anticipation of adding three points to their tally. Their hammering at the hands of Barcelona in last weekend's El Clásico means Rafael Benítez's side are already six points adrift of the table-topping Catalans, and they're going to be in no mood for messing around.
Key player: James Rodríguez (Real Madrid)
With Cristiano Ronaldo apparently unhappy with Benítez’s managemen and failing to deliver his best performances as a result, Real Madrid are becoming increasingly reliant on other players. Young Colombian James Rodríguez will certainly be relied upon to step up and show he’s got what it takes to become one of the very best players on the planet, having been sorely missed due to a thigh injury early in the season. An outstanding creative force when at his best, he could make life very difficult for Eibar.
Key factor: Can Eibar capitalise on Real Madrid's makeshift defense?
Real Madrid’s attack may look terrifying, but Eibar may well be stopping themselves from hyperventilating by taking a look at their opponents’ defensive crisis. Madrid will likely be without three of their four first-choice defenders for this trip, with Álvaro Arbeloa, Pepe and Nacho set to come into the starting lineup. It certainly doesn’t look the most secure of back lines, and Eibar could well take advantage.
Eibar injuries and suspensions
Out: Ander Gayoso (knee); Jaime (unspecified); Keko (suspended). In doubt: Simone Verdi (hamstring), Lillo (unspecified muscle).
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Marcelo (adductor); Isco (suspended). In doubt: Raphaël Varane (hamstring); Sergio Ramos (shoulder).
Eibar will be without veteran goalkeeper Jaime and young defender Gayoso, who are injured. Winger Keko will also definitely be on the sidelines with a suspension. Defender Lillo and playmaker Verdi both face late fitness tests.
Real Madrid’s latest addition to their injury list is defender Varane, who is struggling with a hamstring problem. Like his fellow center back Ramos, he’s likely to join fullback Marcelo in the stands. Attacking midfielder Isco will certainly miss out -- he’s suspended.
Match date/time: Sun., Nov. 29, 10 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Ipurua Municipal Stadium, Eibar, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (US and Canada - English); beIN Sports en Español (US and Canada - Spanish); Sky Sports 2/HD (UK)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (US and Canada); FuboTV (US); Sky Go (UK)
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