Eibar vs. Real Madrid: Odds, Live Stream, TV Schedule and Preview
Nov 8, 2019
MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 06: Head coach Zinedine Zidane of Real Madrid looks on during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Real Madrid and Galatasaray at Bernabeu on November 6, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Real Madrid travel to Eibar on Saturday looking to put some pressure on Barcelona in La Liga before the Catalan giants play Celta Vigo that evening.
Real are level on points with Barca at the top of the table but sit second on goal difference.
As for Eibar, they are in 14th place but only seven points behind Los Blancos.
Madrid come into the match on the back of a confidence-boosting 6-0 win over Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League.
It's worth noting, however, that their warm-up for their last La Liga match—a 0-0 draw at home to Real Betis—came on the back of a 5-0 victory against Leganes, so it's far from guaranteed they'll maintain that momentum on Saturday.
All eyes will be on summer arrival Rodrygo Goes if he starts, after his hat-trick against Galatasaray (U.S. and UK only, respectively):
The teenager also set up one of Karim Benzema's two goals against the Turkish side, while the Frenchman recorded an assist for Rodrygo's hat-trick strike.
The pair dovetailed well together, so with Eden Hazard still finding his feet—he remains on just one goal for his new club—and Gareth Bale having missed their last five games with a calf injury, the trip to the Ipurua Municipal Stadium is a good opportunity for them to continue that burgeoning partnership.
Eibar won't be easy, though. Los Armeros have won their last two matches, 2-1 victories against Villarreal and Leganes.
Real have won just two of their five away matches in La Liga this season and found the net just six times in those fixtures.
That will need to improve if they're to pull away from Barca in the title race, but it could be a tricky match against Eibar, who beat Los Blancos 3-0 on their last visit to Ipurua.
Zinedine Zidane Compares Karim Benzema to Cristiano Ronaldo After UCL Landmark
Nov 7, 2019
Real Madrid's French forward Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League Group A football match between Real Madrid and Galatasaray at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on November 6, 2019. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)
Zinedine Zidane believes Karim Benzema deserves to be ranked alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in Real Madrid's pantheon of greats after he reached 50 UEFA Champions League goals for the club on Wednesday.
The Frenchman netted twice in Real's 6-0 drubbing of Galatasaray at the Santiago Bernabeu to join an elite group of players:
Karim Benzema becomes the fourth player in #UCL history to score 50 goals in the competition for a single club:
After the victory, which put Real on the brink of qualifying for the knockout rounds, Zidane was full of praise for the striker, per Marca:
"His numbers speak for themselves. Those that like football know he's a quality player. He's important for the team, for attacking... he does it very well. The only thing that's changed since Cristiano Ronaldo [left for Juventus] is that Karim is more mature. He's a father and well... many things have happened lately which are reflected on the pitch.
"I'm very happy for Karim. It's true that he's overtaken a legend of this club like Alfredo di Stefano. He's now like Cristiano Ronaldo in the history of this club. He's doing something amazing and we simply have to enjoy it and make the most of it."
Benzema's goals against Galatasaray were his first this season in the Champions League. In La Liga, though, he has been typically prolific, netting seven goals in 10 appearances and also providing three assists.
Only Villarreal's Gerard Moreno has more goals than the 31-year-old in the Spanish top flight this term, and he is at least five clear of every other Real player.
When Ronaldo was at Los Blancos, Benzema's invaluable contributions often went under the radar, but his consistency during his decade-plus at the club has been remarkable.
Real are firmly in the La Liga title race despite having not regularly found their best form this term, and Benzema has been their key man:
As well as being a significant night for Benzema, Wednesday also marked the arrival on the European stage of the 18-year-old Rodrygo, who netted a hat-trick:
18 years, 301 days. Youngest player ever to score a perfect UCL hat-trick.
Real are back in La Liga action on Saturday, when they travel to Eibar.
Rodrygo, Real Madrid Cruise Past Galatasaray in 6-0 Champions League Win
Nov 6, 2019
Real Madrid picked up their second win of the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, easily beating Galatasaray 6-0 at home. Rodrygo bagged a hat-trick, Karim Benzema scored two goals and Sergio Ramos also got on the scoresheet.
Four goals were scored in the first half in perhaps the best half of football Los Blancos have played all season. Rodrygo bagged his first and second goals in the competition inside the first eight minutes before Ramos converted a penalty. Benzema scored on either side of half-time before Rodrygo put the final score on the board.
Real had a perfect start to the match and took an early two-goal lead thanks to the 18-year-old Rodrygo.
His first goal came after a great cross from Marcelo and dreadful defending from Galatasaray that left him wide open in the box. After taking a touch, he cut inside before blasting home.
Just three minutes later, the forward was on point again. Marcelo delivered another excellent cross, and this time, the Brazilian used his head to score.
ASEnglish's Robbie Dunne is ready for the hype surrounding Rodrygo to take off:
Hype was in overdrive already over Rodrygo. About to go supernova after this.
He could have had a hat-trick inside of 15 minutes, but Los Blancos captain Ramos decided otherwise. After Toni Kroos won a penalty, the defender did not allow Rodrygo to take the spot-kick and instead converted it himself.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was called into action for the first time shortly after, tipping a Mario Lemina shot over the crossbar.
The Turks had little to offer in the first half, and Real played some of their best football of the season so far. Casemiro had a goal ruled out for offside after 39 minutes, and then Benzema bagged his first goal of the European campaign.
The Frenchman made some history in the process:
Karim Benzema becomes the second player ever to score in 15 straight Champions League seasons 🔑 pic.twitter.com/WHeHm6xqs5
The only negative for Los Blancos in the first half was an early substitution of left-back Marcelo, who didn't last until half-time.
Real remained in control after the break. Benzema could have added a second goal after a good cross from Dani Carvajal, but he fired over. The forwardalso placed a header wide.
Galatasaray barely threatened Courtois, who had to be alert when a free-kick from Sofiane Feghouli made it through the pack without a touch. His positioning was on point, however, and Raphael Varane cleared the ball.
Los Blancos created far less danger after the break, but there was no need to attack with a four-goal lead. Kroos had a good look but couldn't beat Fernando Muslera, and Isco also found the keeper in his way.
Muslera was determined not to concede a fifth goal and made a strong save to keep out a Benzema shot, but he could do nothing when the 31-year-old popped up in front of the net with under 10 minutes left to play. By turning home the Carvajal cross, he joined an elite club:
Ronaldo. Raul. Benzema.
Karim Benzema becomes the third player to score 50 Champions League goals for Real Madrid 💫 pic.twitter.com/IJg26Ji7ZA
And there was time for one more goal. A quick one-two between Rodrygo and Benzema gave the former a chance to complete his hat-trick, and the youngster didn't miss.
What's Next?
Real visit Eibar in La Liga on Saturday. Galatasaray will also be in action on Saturday when they face Gaziantep in the Turkish Super Lig.
Zinedine Zidane Denies Rumours Gareth Bale Will Leave Real Madrid in January
Nov 5, 2019
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 5: (L-R) coach Zinedine Zidane of Real Madrid, Gareth Bale of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Real Madrid v Granada at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 5, 2019 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Zinedine Zidane has said he wants Gareth Bale at Real Madrid until at least the end of this season, ruling out a January exit for the player amid rumours he could leave mid-campaign.
Bale, 30, has endured a rocky relationship with Zidane during the manager's two stints at the Bernabeu. Zidane even said in July that he hoped Bale—then closely linked with a move to China—would leave the club "soon."
The Wales winger remained at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu and has enjoyed some encouraging displays this season when fit. Zidane spoke at a press conference ahead of Galatasaray's visit in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, dismissing speculation his player will leave this winter:
"Everybody is saying I don't want Bale here and I want him to leave in January. That's nonsense.
"People can talk about me, about what I do, but nobody can put fake words on my mouth. Of course, we cannot have the same bond with everybody but I've never had any problem with Gareth, even after what happened during last summer when supposedly he was leaving.
"This is the situation: He's here, and I'm happy because the player is very good. So yes, I want Gareth to stay here with us until the end of the season. That's very clear."
AFP's Tom Allnutt provided additional comments from Tuesday's press conference and joked about Zidane's interpretation of a close relationship:
Asked if he has a good relationship with Bale, Zidane said: "Yes, we say good morning every day", which seems a fairly low bar.
Bale has done well to maintain his status at the Bernabeu considering how close he looked to the exit during the summer, when Jiangsu Suning were said to have offered the player £1 million per week.
As for where the forward could move in future, Sky Sports News recently reported Los Blancos hope to use Bale as a sweetener in their efforts to purchase Raheem Sterling from Manchester City:
It would be one of the most sensational transfer coups of all time but could Raheem Sterling really move to Real Madrid?
The former Tottenham Hotspur talisman has two goals and two assists in six appearances for Real this season, missing the club's last five games in all competitions due to a calf injury.
Zidane has young wing talent ready to take over on Real's wings in the future. Vinicius Jr., 19, made his breakthrough into the first team last season, and 18-year-old Rodrygo Goes is beginning to provide more competition to the likes of Eden Hazard.
Marco Asensio is yet to feature this season after he suffered a serious knee injury against Arsenal in pre-season, but the Spain international is also sure to be in contention out wide when he returns.
Zidane did little to hide his feelings towards Bale over the summer, but sportswriter Andrew Gaffney praised the manager for showing a more considerate approach midway through the season:
I’ve given Zidane stick for the way he’s handled the situation with Gareth Bale since he returned but felt he was really, really good today.
Injuries may have altered the manager's plans for this season, though Bale has done his bit to impress when he's been called upon.
The landscape could shift again between now and the January transfer window, but Zidane appears intent on at least seeing out the remainder of 2019-20 with former outcast Bale among his ranks.
Zinedine Zidane Says Kylian Mbappe's 'Dream Is to Play for Real Madrid'
Nov 5, 2019
Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Dijon Football Cote-d'Or (DFCO) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on November 1, 2019, at the Gaston Gerard stadium in Dijon. (Photo by Philippe DESMAZES / AFP) (Photo by PHILIPPE DESMAZES/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has said he knows Kylian Mbappe's "dream is to play for Real Madrid," with the Paris Saint-Germain and France star continuing his red-hot form this season.
Mbappe, 20, has already become a long-term fixture in Real transfer rumours. Zidane spoke to reporters ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League game at home to Galatasaray and said he knows his countryman has long held Madrid as a dream destination, via Omnisport:
Zidane was asked if he thought Mbappe would one day play for Los Blancos, and he replied: "I don't know, it's the player who decides. At the moment he plays for Paris Saint-Germain, we'll see in the future if that changes. I know he always said his dream is to play for Real Madrid."
The striker moved to the Parc des Princes from AS Monaco in August 2017, spending one season on loan with PSG before he joined the French powerhouse on a permanent basis for €145 million. Mbappe is contracted at the club until the summer of 2022 but could be tempted elsewhere before then.
Le Parisien (h/t Andres Onrubia and Jonathan Meaney of AS) reported Real president Florentino Perez is willing to pay up to €300 million (£258 million) for the player. In response, PSG are understood to be readying an annual package worth around €40 million (£34.4 million) to keep Mbappe in Paris.
That figure would put Mbappe on a par with Brazilian star Neymar, who joined PSG from Barcelona in 2017 for a world-record fee but now looks like the less respected figure in the French capital.
Manager Thomas Tuchel recently spoke to the club's official Twitter account and said he shares a close relationship with Mbappe, who has scored 69 goals and recorded 36 assists in 97 games for PSG:
"My relationship with @KMbappe is top. He is a boy who always has a smile. He is so talented, I push him so that he can be even better." #PSGlivehttps://t.co/9CthYUDLdo
Tuchel may not like Zidane's response to a hypothetical question, particularly given PSG's struggles reaching the final stages of the Champions League despite huge squad investment in the past decade.
Mbappe played a prominent role in the France squad that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a success that may have intensified any desire 1998 world champion Zidane has to sign the player.
PSG's poacher was recently sidelined due to injury, though he's shown no signs of a hangover since his recent return to fitness, per Squawka:
Since the end of the international break, Kylian Mbappé has played 115 minutes across all competitions for PSG.
Real incumbent Karim Benzema—who is in his 11th season at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu—turns 32 in December, and the club may see countryman Mbappe as the ideal successor.
PSG beat Los Blancos 3-0 when the Group A opponents clashed earlier this season, and Zidane will hope to avenge that result when the Champions League foes meet again in Madrid on November 26.
Why Real Madrid Want to Finally Land Kylian Mbappe After a Long Wait
Nov 5, 2019
On November 26, Kylian Mbappe will walk out at the Santiago Bernabeu in the UEFA Champions League for Paris Saint-Germain. Next year, it could be the place he calls home.
Mbappe has had admirers on the Madrid board ever since his breakthrough with Monaco. They wanted him before he moved to PSG and still want him today. At the end of this season the Spanish giants will attempt to make Mbappe the most expensive signing in world football.
There is something missing in the Spanish capital right now, a Cristiano Ronaldo-shaped hole in everything that surrounds the club. The Portuguese's exit hit even harder than expected, and the arrival of Eden Hazard last summer has not eased the pain.
Conor Clancy, of Spanish outlet Marca, worked on an article this week describing how Ronaldo's shadow still hangs over the Bernabeu.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFEiiWzH3Ws
"They've missed his goals, clearly, and replacing his contribution was always going to be impossible," Clancy told B/R. "There aren't too many other players in the world who can finish chances with the same consistency as Cristiano. For all the bashing he gets for the number of shots he takes from strange positions, he never seems to miss the ones that really count.
"Karim Benzema has done very well since Ronaldo left, but, as much as I love him, even last season a lot of his goals came towards the end, when all hope was already lost. More than what [Ronaldo] did, I think Madrid miss his presence too. Just having him on the pitch makes it so much easier for players to believe they have a chance, even when things aren't going to plan. He lifts everyone around him, but they don't have that anymore, and not even Hazard can give them that."
This is where the Mbappe option becomes intriguing. Always improving, always living up to the hype, PSG's incredible forward has scored nine times and created a further four goals this season—giving him goal involvement every 46.2 minutes.
And Madrid have him very much on their radar for 2020.
Last summer, they were heavily linked with a bid for his PSG team-mate Neymar, but sources at the time told B/R how they were not aggressive about the situation, merely interested in what was going on and wanting to be kept in the loop over any developments.
They do not intend to revisit Neymar. According to sources who cover Madrid closely, club president Florentino Perez only has eyes for Mbappe when he watches PSG. Other board members are said to have a similar vision.
"Mbappe would go quite a way to satisfying the fans, for sure." Clancy says. "He's probably one of the few players who can replicate Cristiano's figures in terms of goals, and he'd lift the team as well just because of the pure excitement he brings. If he arrives to accompany Hazard in attack, Madrid should be able to challenge on all fronts again."
A report inSpanish outletAS has suggested the budget for a big summer spend is already in place, with £138 million cash already available and a further £252 million available in credit—which is not attached to their plans for a stadium refurbishment.
The same newspaper reported recently too how Mbappe's Champions League hat-trick against Club Brugge led to WhatsApp messages being sent between Real Madrid's board of directors. The gist: "Have you seen what Kylian Mbappe did tonight?"
The France international is already the highest-paid 20-year-old in the game thanks to a salary worth £325,000 per week, according to Capology, but Madrid will realise his marketability off the pitch will match his value on it.
The upcoming fixture between the two sides will only build the hype around Mbappe. He was sidelined, along with Neymar, when PSG hosted Real Madrid in September. PSG tore Madrid apart, with Angel Di Maria taking the star role in a 3-0 victory. Anticipation is already building towards the next meeting.
Last week, Zidane said of the Frenchman: "What Kylian Mbappe does is not surprising.He is one of the best players, he demonstrates it with his statistics.But at the same time, it will not change anything for us: We will face a team.He has great qualities, we will have a special attention on him."
Madrid are understood to be wary that they could face competition for Mbappe. Liverpool are being linked with a move, but the biggest threat is the team that took Ronaldo from them: Juventus.
The Italian champions are in the midst of a long-term planning strategy aimed at ensuring the club are at the top of European football in five years' time, both on and off the field.
As part of that, €300 million (£259 million) is set aside to help bring in the next Ronaldo and ensure there is a seamless transition from this current side.
Perhaps this is why Madrid continue to consider other back-up options. This week there was a story from Sky Sports that they plan to offer £70 million plus Gareth Bale to lure Raheem Sterling from Manchester City.
That's not an offer that will tempt the Premier League champions into business, but there is an underlying truth in the story, as Madrid and Zidane are longtime admirers of Sterling.
The player himself is open to the idea of playing in La Liga one day, too, but insiders insist Mbappe is the bigger priority.
As’s Cover | “Mbappé is the obsession: Perez decides to go back to the galactico ways with the signing of the French.” pic.twitter.com/uv4jhKQ0Gw
This week, ex-Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev told French broadcaster Telefoot (h/t Marca) how Mbappe felt about moving to Madrid before joining PSG: "He (Mbappe) said to me, 'Deep inside me, I feel its too early I've only played for a year in my country, I don't want to leave like that. I'm Parisian. I want to become great here. Madrid will wait I think'."
They have waited, but after three seasons with PSG, they feel it is realistic that Mbappe will decide to test himself at the next level. They know he has been tempted before.
Sources told B/R that Mbappe seriously considered leaving PSG after his first season but was persuaded to remain after talks with his father and the club. Then, after Manchester United knocked PSG out of the Champions League last season, he declared at the Ligue 1 awards ceremony: "I have learned much here, and maybe it’s the time to take on more responsibilities, maybe at PSG, of course, or maybe elsewhere with a new project."
Mbappe may be young, but he is mature and wise beyond his years. He has kept PSG's directors and management on their toes throughout his stay.
When he represents Paris at the Bernabeu at the end of November, it is expected he will be warmly welcomed by the home crowd as they seek to give him a taste of what the next chapter of his career will look like.
PSG are looking to improve the terms and length of Mbappe's current contract, which runs to 2022, and it's fair to say any transfer will not be cheap—estimates in France suggest it will take at least £250 million to sign him.
But we should start taking Project Mbappe pretty seriously, because Madrid are coming.
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Gareth Bale Named in Wales Squad Despite Real Madrid Injury Absence
Nov 5, 2019
CARDIFF, WALES - OCTOBER 13: Gareth Bale of Wales during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier between Wales and Croatia at Cardiff City Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
The 30-year-old hasn't been in action for this club since the 4-2 win over Granada on October 5, having picked up an issue during the previous international break.
Per Jose Felix Diaz of Marca, while he returned to training on Monday, Bale has been ruled out of the team's clash with Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday and is said to be a major doubt for the match with Eibar on Sunday in La Liga.
Even so, the Welshman was named in Ryan Giggs' squad on Tuesday for the team's crucial UEFA 2020 European Championship clashes with Azerbaijan and Hungary:
❗️CYHOEDDIAD CARFAN | SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT❗️
Here’s your Cymru squad for our final @UEFAEURO qualifying matches against Azerbaijan and Hungary later this month 🏴
"The logical thing to do would be to prioritise Real Madrid over playing with his country, but given the importance of Wales' November fixtures, it's understandable for Bale to save himself for the international break," said Diaz. "Los Blancos can't control this situation. If Bale recovers in time to play for Wales, he'll play for Wales in November."
If Bale does make his return to action for his country over the international break, it's unlikely to go down well.
AS featured the player on the front page of its Tuesday edition, reporting his relationship with manager Zinedine Zidane has deteriorated, and there will be some unhappiness if he was to play for Wales before his club:
Today's front page:
Triple bogey: Bale ups tension between him & Real Madrid
- pushing for January move over poor Zidane relationship
- Real fear he'll go on Wales duty after month without playing
Bale was linked with a transfer away from the Santiago Bernabeu throughout the summer and appeared poised to join Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning before Los Blancos pulled out of a deal.
Recently, ESPN FC reported Bale wants to leave the club as soon as possible. Earlier this week, Sky Sports reported Madrid were ready to include the Welshman in an offer for Manchester City star Raheem Sterling.
City blogger Steven McInerney said he would be surprised to see that transfer come to fruition:
You'd have to be incredibly naive to think Bale would end up at City. Everything about it almost the *exact* opposite of how Man City operate these days. Absolutely no chance.
Given Bale picked up his previous injury on international duty, key figures at Madrid will likely be watching his displays for his country carefully over the coming days.
The winger has enjoyed great success at Real Madrid since signing in 2013, winning four UEFA Champions League titles. However, he's frequently picked up injuries in his time at the club, and if he was to aggravate any issue during the internationals, it's unlikely to go down well in the Spanish capital.
Wales are fourth in their qualifying group, with two games left to play. They need to win both of their fixtures and hope Slovakia, who are two points ahead in third, drop points in one of their final two matches in order to guarantee qualification.
Vinicius Junior Says He Had an Offer from Barcelona Before Real Madrid Move
Nov 5, 2019
Vinicius Junior has said he followed his heart by joining Real Madrid over Barcelona after receiving offers from both Spanish giants.
The 19-year-old Brazilian agreed a deal to join Real from Flamengo in 2017 and subsequently moved to Madrid in July 2018 in a transfer worth £38.7 million:
Real Madrid confirm the signing of Vinicius Junior from Flamengo from July 2018 onward—he’ll stay with Flamengo until July 2019. pic.twitter.com/cienFWIt7I
Vinicius has said he had to decide between joining Los Blancos and Barca, because the Blaugrana also made an offer to sign him, per AS(h/t Goal):
"I thought it was not true. I thought they were just rumours from the newspapers. I had proposals from Madrid and Barca, too. My father told me that I had to choose, and I had to follow my heart.
"[It was] incredible. In Brazil there is nothing like it, it was a very special day. I was very nervous on the day of the presentation because I had to speak Spanish, and I was not yet studying. In addition, Ronaldo came only for the presentation. A football legend like him. I was very happy. It was one of the happiest days of my life."
In 2018-19, Vinicius was one of few bright sparks for Real as they went through three different managers, failed to launch a legitimate La Liga title challenge, and were knocked out the Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League prematurely.
He made 18 appearances in La Liga and four in the Champions League and became a key part of Real's first team, particularly under Santiago Solari:
Says a lot that Solari hasn't felt able to rest Vinicius. 18yo with no previous 1st team experience, has played a game every 3.5 days in 2019.
In March, though, Vinicius suffered a knee injury against Ajax that kept him out for two months and led to him missing out on the Brazil squad for the 2019 Copa America.
In 2019-20, under manager Zinedine Zidane, the forward has played seven times in La Liga, netting one goal and providing one assist.
He was used as a substitute in Real's clash with Real Betis on Saturday, but he was unable to prevent them being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at home.
Had Real beaten Betis, they would have moved to the top of the table in La Liga, two points ahead of Barca.
Instead, they are now tied with their biggest rivals:
Real are back in action on Wednesday against Galatasaray in the Champions League before Saturday's visit to Eibar in La Liga.
Real Madrid vs. Galatasaray: UCL Odds, Live Stream, TV Schedule
Nov 5, 2019
Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, left, duels for the ball with Galatasaray's Christian Luyindama during the Champions League group A soccer match between Galatasaray and Real Madrid in Istanbul, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019. (AP Photo)
Real Madrid will be favourites in their UEFA Champions League clash against Galatasaray at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday after beating their opponents on the road in their first meeting.
Caesars has handed Los Blancos odds of -500 (bet $500 to win $100), compared to +1200 for Galatasaray. A draw sports odds of +600.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET, and fans can watch via BT Sport Live (UK) and B/R Live (U.S.).
Real earned their first win of the Champions League campaign in Istanbul, courtesy of a single goal from Toni Kroos after 17 minutes:
The win took Los Blancos to four points in Group A, five behind Paris Saint-Germain and two ahead of Club Brugge. Galatasaray are last with a single point.
That means the Turkish visitors will be desperate for a good result in Spain, and they will feel confident of their chances after their solid outing at home. Galatasaray had ample opportunities to draw level, but goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was unbeatable on the day.
Galatasaray have played twice since that match, losing to rivals Besiktas and beating Rizespor. Like Real, their form has been spotty to start the season, earning just 16 points from 10 matches in the Turkish Super Lig.
Los Blancos have played twice since the trip to Istanbul, beating Leganes and drawing with Real Betis. They're second in La Liga, level on points with Real Sociedad and Barcelona.
Even though Real are at the front of the title race in Spain, manager Zinedine Zidane has not escaped criticism. SB Nation's Lucas Navarette thought he made a crucial error in the draw against Betis by taking off star striker Karim Benzema:
I'm sorry but I'm still speechless after Zidane decided to take Benzema out of the game with 0-0 on the scoreboard and five minutes left.
A lack of consistency is the main issue plaguing Real. They managed five goals against Leganes but were shut out by Mallorca and Betis. Defensively, the team has been stellar, but the attack will run hot and cold at times, and it is dependent on the individual talents of the likes of Benzema and Eden Hazard.
Los Blancos have been much better at home this season, however, with four wins and two draws in La Liga. They've also scored 15 goals in six matches, compared to six in five on the road in Spain.
Galatasaray have yet to score in three Champions League matches, so there is little to fear about their attack. Expect Real to commit to the attack and pick up the win.
Prediction: Real Madrid 3-0 Galatasaray
Report: Real Madrid to Offer Gareth Bale, £70M for City's Raheem Sterling
Nov 4, 2019
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Raheem Sterling of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Southampton FC at Etihad Stadium on November 2, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
According to Sky Sports News, Real will finalise the details of their bid after watching Sterling play for England in the upcoming international break.
The winger's agents are said to have met with Los Blancos general director Jose Angel Sanchez in the summer, but a deal was not agreed.
Bale almost left Real for the Chinese Super League in the summer before the Spanish giants withdrew his proposed move to Jiangsu Suning.
According to Cadena SER (h/tAS), rumours linking Bale with China have persisted, and the Welshman wants to leave the Santiago Bernabeu as early as January.
However, Sky added City boss Pep Guardiola has "little interest" in signing Bale.
Bale has scored 104 goals and assisted 67 in 238 matches for Real, helping the team win four UEFA Champions League titles and La Liga, among other honours.
However, the winger will turn 31 next summer, and he has been injury-prone throughout his time in the Spanish capital.
City won't want to contemplate losing Sterling, either. The 24-year-old has developed into one of their most important players under Guardiola and has 13 goals and five assists to his name this season.
In October, he bagged a hat-trick for the Sky Blues against Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League (U.S. and UK only, respectively):
Given his age, he might still hit new heights, whereas Bale is only likely to decline in the coming years.
Offering a player in exchange for Sterling could be the best way to prise him away from the Etihad Stadium, but even one of Bale's calibre isn't likely to be enough.
