Tuesday, October 23

La Liga

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Result: Attacking trio in line to return for misfiring Real Madrid against Levante

Lopetegui’s side have failed to score in their last four matches in all competitions.

Isco, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema could make a welcome return for Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui against Levante on Saturday.

Bale missed both of Wales’ matches against Spain and Republic of Ireland during the international break with a groin injury, but could start for Los Blancos in LaLiga.

Lopetegui described playmaker Isco as a ‘weapon’ for Los Blancos earlier in week after the Spaniard returned to training following a bout of appendicitis which has kept him out since a 1-0 win against Espanyol on September 22.

Real Madrid’s Isco playing against Liverpool in the Champions League final (Mike Egerton/PA)

He added: “He’s (Isco) a crucial player. We’re thrilled that he’s recovered and ready to play again.”

Benzema has already had two full training sessions back with the team, according to the Real boss, and could also feature.

Lopetegui has insisted his side remain focused on the upcoming game against Levante despite a drought of four games without a goal in all competitions.

The 52-year-old was conscious that his side need to show respect to Levante, where victory for Real will see them move to the top of the table – but could be overhauled by Saturday evening if results go against them.

“We’re focusing only on the Levante game, there is no larger objective,” Lopetegui said.

“We’re fully concentrated on tomorrow’s game, with maximum levels of hunger and ambition.”

On Levante, he added: “They’re opposition who have changed their system and found a winning formula, creating chances and scoring goals. They have real attacking intent with a great squad and a brilliant coach.”

Real have not scored since the Espanyol win and are currently fourth in the table, two points off Sevilla in the top spot.

Levante are sit 11th in LaLiga and have won their last two matches against Alaves and Getafe.

The Valencia-based side are only two points off the top seven and will be hoping for a similar performance to the one that saw them get a point at the Bernebeu last season.

Roger Marti has been in great form for Granotas, with four goals in his six LaLiga appearances and will looking to add to his tally in the Spanish capital.

Levante boss Paco Lopez was full of praise for his counterpart ahead of his first match at the Bernabeu, despite Los Blancos’ current run of form.

Lopez said, in a press conference reported by Marca: “What we want to do is make Madrid feel uncomfortable with the ball and then be an uncomfortable team ourselves.”

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1Manchester CityMan City97202632323
2Liverpool97201631323
3Chelsea96302071321
4Arsenal970222111121
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs9702167921
6Bournemouth95221612417
7Watford95131312116
8Everton94321512315
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves943298115
10Manchester UnitedMan Utd94231516-114
11Leicester CityLeicester94051515012
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton93241013-311
13Burnley92251017-78
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham9216814-67
15Crystal Palace9216511-67
16Southampton9135614-86
17Cardiff CityCardiff9126819-115
18Fulham91261125-145
19Huddersfield TownHuddersfield9036418-143
20Newcastle UnitedNewcastle9027614-82
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1Manchester CityMan City97202632323
2Liverpool97201631323
3Chelsea96302071321
4Arsenal970222111121
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs9702167921
6Bournemouth95221612417
7Watford95131312116
8Everton94321512315
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves943298115
10Manchester UnitedMan Utd94231516-114
11Leicester CityLeicester94051515012
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton93241013-311
13Burnley92251017-78
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham9216814-67
15Crystal Palace9216511-67
16Southampton9135614-86
17Cardiff CityCardiff9126819-115
18Fulham91261125-145
19Huddersfield TownHuddersfield9036418-143
20Newcastle UnitedNewcastle9027614-82
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