Real Madrid travel to the Valencian Community to take on Elche this Wednesday in LaLiga, just three days after they recorded a historic 3-1 win over Barcelona in the 250th edition of El Clasico.
Carlo Ancelotti's men have been in formidable form of late, and remain unbeaten in their last 18 competitive fixtures, stretching back to a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid back in May.
Key to Los Blancos' success has been the extraordinary attacking output of individuals in attack, as Karim Benzema became the first Frenchman to win the Ballon d'Or since Zinedine Zidane on Monday.
Netting 44 goals in all competitions last season, as Real Madrid won the league and cup double, the 34-year-old has struck five times so far this campaign, and will be eyeing up a trip to LaLiga's leakiest defence as an opportunity to add to his season tally.
Ahead of a trip to Elche, the only side in the Spanish top flight yet to win a game this season, the league leaders may be looking to make some changes from the El Clasico victory, off the back of a gruelling run of five games in 14 days since the end of the international break.
Certainly, Eduardo Camavinga will be pushing for a start after missing out on Sunday, as will Rodrygo Goes, who came off the bench to score a late penalty on Sunday.
Lucas Vazquez might also be able to use the opportunity to regain some match fitness after a thigh injury, and so could replace Dani Carvajal at right-back, while Marco Asensio's patience may be rewarded with a rare start.
The most pressing injury news for the visitors is the continued absence of Thibaut Courtois, who will miss a sixth consecutive game with a back injury. Andriy Lunin has deputised well in the Belgian's absence, but Ancelotti will be hoping for his first-choice shot-stopper's return in the near future.
The hosts may be winless so far this season, but they were extremely unlucky not to come away with all three points from Mestalla on the weekend, as the referee controversially ruled out a potential winning goal after failing to play advantage.
Los Franjiverdes also went 2-0 up at the Santiago Bernabeu last season, and were only denied a famous victory by a 92nd-minute equaliser from Eder Militao, so the league leaders should not underestimate their opponents in this midweek game.
Even so, it is hard to look past Real Madrid for this one, with a ninth victory of the LaLiga season very much expected, even with a relatively rotated squad.
Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Lunin; Mendy, Rudiger, Militao, Vazquez; Kroos, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Asensio, Benzema, Rodrygo
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