Real Madrid chief discusses Sergio Ramos’ future

Following the first worldwide session of 2015/16, Real Madrid must consider themselves unlucky.

The incident saw the ball passed back to the goalkeeper, who then allowed the ball to roll to try and fool the striker and so delayed his clearance. Similar things could be said for James, but the Colombian is more versatile than his Spanish team-mate. To add insult to injury, this happened immediately after kick-off, just 21 seconds into the match. That day [when the deal collapsed] I had dinner with him, his wife and his agent.

Espanyol have not beaten Real Madrid in their last 15 league meetings, drawing 3 and losing 12.

Despite an uninspiring start, having drawn 0-0 away to newly-promoted Sporting Gijon, Real Madrid restored optimism of a promising season with a 5-0 demolition of Real Betis.

Given the fact they are Real Madrid, and this is a fixture that they have dominated in recent years, all the pressure will be on Benitez’s charges and we reckon that they will rise to the challenge.

Under Benitez, Madrid have four points from two games and Perez called him the best at Madrid. Yet with Cristiano Ronaldo – who Florentino Perez recently valued at €1billion – and Gareth Bale available, scoring goals should not be an issue. The predominately right-footed Isco would play as more of a provider on the right wing, crossing balls into the 18-yard box and linking with his full-back.

James Rodriguez, the architect of the victory over Betis, also picked up an injury while on duty with his national team.

Scans revealed a muscle tear in his left thigh and the midfielder is now out of action for four weeks.

Arbeloa played under Benitez at Liverpool before moving to the Bernabeu in 2009.

If the Los Blancos can keep up their good form against the Parakeets, it should be a very comfortable away win for Rafa Benitez.

Benitez must give his players the license to express themselves.