It’s time to ring in the new La Liga season, and with Real Madrid spoiling for a fight after failing to win any silverware last season, they look set to bring some major pain to poor Sporting Gijón. The newly promoted side doesn’t look like they stand much of a chance against the overwhelming talent of Madrid, even with the home crowd behind them.
Real Madrid vs. Sporting Gijón 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
It’s time to see what the Rafa Benitez era has in store for Real Madrid.
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
Of course, this isn't exactly the same Real Madrid side we're used to, either. Gone is Iker Casillas, their longtime captain, goalkeeper and hero. Gone is Carlo Ancelotti, the winner of La Decima. In Ancelotti's place is Rafa Benitez, a manager with a particular idea of how a team should be run. He's bringing a different look to Real Madrid this season, and we should get an intriguing first look at just what he has in mind for Los Merengues in his first year managing back in his home and with the club where he started his career.
Key question — Can Rafa Benitez bring the needed success to Real Madrid?
Last season, Real Madrid failed to win a single trophy. They came close, finishing second in La Liga and reaching the semifinals of the Champions League, but close isn’t enough for Real Madrid. That cost Ancelotti his job despite being the man who won La Decima, Madrid’s tenth Champions League title, only the season before. Now it’s time for Benitez to show what he can do in his home town, though many question if he’s up to the task. His last two years at Napoli were a disappointment, but now he has one of the most talented teams in the world at his disposal. If he can get them to fit his vision, this could be an interesting season in La Liga.
Key player — Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
One of the changes Benitez seems to be bringing to Madrid is to move Bale behind the striker and slide James Rodriguez out wide. The goal would seem to be to try to use incisive running ability to have him take advantage of the hole left behind the striker, but it’s not a role he’s often done well in in the past. During his time at Tottenham, he was tried as a quasi No. 10 a few times to mixed success. If Rafa can make it work, though, it’ll bring a whole new lethal level to Real Madrid’s attack.
Sporting Gijón injuries and suspensions
Out: Alex Barrera (knee) In doubt: Julio Rodriguez (knock)
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Karim Benzema (thigh), Fabio Coentrao (thigh) In doubt: Pepe (thigh)
Both of these teams are in pretty good shape right now injury-wise, though Madrid will definitely miss Karim Benzema given their relative lack of depth at striker right now.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 2:30 p.m. ET, 8:30 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Municipal El Molinon, Gijón, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. & Canada -- English), beIN Sports en Espanol (U.S. -- Spanish), Movistar TV Futbol (Spain), Sky Sports 3/HD (U.K.)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)
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