Real Madrid will play Sporting Gijon on Sunday as they look to get their new Spanish La Liga 2015 season off to a winning start. A surprising number of critics are questioning Real's credentials for this year's La Liga title, and they would like nothing better than to silent them with a comprehensive win today. The game has a scheduled start time of 2.30 p.m. ET and can be watched on TV on the beIN Sports network, or online through live stream via the link below.
Overall Madrid did have a disappointing season last year, which in Spain very much belonged to rivals Barcelona. That has led some to question Real's chances this term. However, many forget that the core of the team that went on a 22 game win streak last year are still here and so any such talk of them not having the players to compete are clearly unfounded.
Today's game will be against newly promoted team, Sporting Gijon, who could not have asked for a more difficult welcome to La Liga.
All eyes will be on Real though, and especially at how the team has adapted to new manager Rafa Benitez, and whether he can give the team the little bit extra that they were missing last season, which ultimately ended up costing them trophies.
Some fans were unhappy at Gareth Bale last season, but he remains a firm fixture in the team, and will likely line up behind the striker.
Despite reservations that some fans have over Bale, he has linked up fluidly with the other Real front players in preseason, and as part of a rotating front four, Bale and his teammates have looked extremely dangerous.
With players like Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez, Isco, and with Karim Benzema still to come back from injury, Real certainly lack little in attacking options.
Benitez will be hoping that midfield players Toni Kroos and Luka Modric can link up well with the front players, and allow them to find penetration through the Sporting defense.
This is not the most difficult start to the season Real could have, but don't write off Sporting yet; as a newly promoted team they will be relishing the opportunity to take on teams like Real Madrid and will be giving their absolute all to pull off an upset and steal at least a point here today.
The game has a scheduled start time of 2.30 p.m. ET and can be watched online through live stream by clicking here.
