Real Madrid, who lie third in the La Liga standings, will be keen for three points as the Spanish giants are set to face Granada at Los Carmenes on Sunday. Real Madrid have not given up on the title race as they are just four points and a game behind current leaders Barcelona, who top the table with 51 points.
Having dropped points against Real Betis in their last game, Real Madrid cannot afford another hiccup against Granada, who could dampen their chances of challenging for the La Liga title.
Though Granada might be a weak team in the La Liga, Real's coach Zinedine Zidane wants his team to start well to help the team secure three points.
"The only thing that we've got to concentrate on is getting off to a good start, and we must put in a different performance to the one we delivered against Betis. We can't afford to be dropping any more points, and tomorrow only a win will do for us. The players know what they have to go out there and do. We've prepared well for the game during this week," Real Madrid official website quoted Zidane as saying.
Real Madrid have a thing or two to prove when they travel to Granada. They were troubled by Granada at the Bernebau in September, which ended 1-0 in favour of the home side. It was by no means a walk in the park for Real Madrid despite grabbing three points. Things have changed now with Real being managed by Zidane, who wants his team to push for the title.
Granada, after having put Real in some sorts of trouble in their last game, will be eager to come up with a quality performance in front of the home fans, who have not had much opportunities to pride upon and emerge triumphant.
Zidane knows that this game is equally important for Granada, who are keen to get out of the relegation zone and a surprising victory might help their cause a great deal. They are expected to up their game on Sunday.
"We've got the belief, and we're going to keep fighting for the La Liga title right up until the end. They're going to come at us from the off, and we must be ready for that," Zidane said.
"Granada have a lot to play for, and with it being an away game it's always tough because our opponents will be up for it, knowing that they're playing against Real Madrid. "
If Granada are to enjoy any success against Real on Sunday, they have to stop the Los Blancos' offensive players, especially Cristiano Ronaldo from scoring goals for 90 minutes. They also need their best player, Youssef El-Arabi, who has scored five goals, to score if a chance comes by.
Where to watch live
Granada vs Real Madrid is scheduled for a 8:30 p.m. CET (1 a.m. IST, 7:30 p.m. GMT, 2:30 p.m. ET) start, with live TV coverage in India on Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD. Viewers in India can also watch Granada vs Real Madrid via live streaming online on Sony Liv.
Football fans in Spain can catch Granada vs Real Madrid live on Canal+ Liga and Movistar Futbol.
Viewers in the UK can watch Granada vs Real Madrid live on Sky Sports 1/HD with live streaming on Sky Go.
Bein Sports and Bein Sports Connect will broadcast Granada vs Real Madrid in the US.
