Real Madrid's long week comes to an end Saturday afternoon when they face a potentially complicated trip to face newly promoted Deportivo la Coruna in the Spanish La Liga.
Real's 5-1 win over Swiss outit Basel in the Champions League Tuesday allowed Carlo Ancelotti's side to lift some of the pressure hanging over them after a poor start which has seen them lose two out of three Liga matches, reports Xinhua.
Deportivo may prove to be more resilient rivals with experienced coach, Victor Fernandez expected to organise his side to provide a solid rearguard action against Madrid's fluid attack.
Deportivo's three matches so far this season have seen them commit an average of 21 fouls per game, at an average of a foul just over every four minutes, so Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale can expect a tough afternoon in the Riazor Stadium.
Madrid will be helped by the return of Dani Carvajal at right back, although Carvajal's return will see Rafael Varene return to the subs' bench just 48 hours after extending his contract with the club until the summer of 2020.
With Sami Khedira still absent, Tony Kroos, Luka Modric and James will play in the midfield roles with Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema, whose goal against Basel silenced some of the 'boo-boys' who have criticised the Frenchman's attacking play this season.
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He'll have to be mobile again Saturday, because Deportivo are likely to sit deep and give nothing away, although should Madrid opening the scoring early, that is likely to change the entire complex of the game.
Saturday's other matches see Athletic Club Bilbao at home to Granada, while Atletico Madrid face a tough match against Celta Vigo and Espanyol take on Malaga in the late kick off.