Yeah, Real Madrid really did lose to Sheriff Tiraspol in the Champions League earlier this week.

That really did happen.

To bounce back from that horrifically embarrassing defeat, Los Blancos will be hoping they can beat Espanyol in La Liga this weekend.

To do that, here’s how they should line up…

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Thibaut Courtois (GK) – Could do nothing about the winner in midweek, and is actually very good. He starts every single game.

Nacho Fernandez (RB) – The biggest compliment someone can give Nacho? He’s relatively competent, and probably a better option than a crocked Dani Carvajal.

Eder Militao (CB) – The biggest compliment someone can give Militao? Sometimes he doesn’t look like a complete car crash of a defender. Only sometimes though.

David Alaba (CB) – He really has his work cut out for him in this Real defence right now. He is getting paid pretty handsomely though, so no need to feel sorry for him.

Miguel Gutierrez (LB) – Only 20 years old and has shown some flashes of quality. Will start because every other left-back is injured.

Federico Valverde (CM) – The future of the Real Madrid midfield. A big time talent.

Casemiro (CM) – Still one of the best holding midfielders in the world, but has looked off the pace at times this season.

Luka Modric (CM) – Doesn’t start as many games these days because he’s *checks notes* a million years old. He is quality though, and the team are usually better when he plays.

Rodrygo (RW) – Real Madrid: give up on Eden Hazard. There’s no point. He’s officially a terrible footballer. He’s never, ever, ever going to be any good again. Instead of playing him, play Rodrygo. At least he might be good at some point.

Karim Benzema (ST) – 13 games, 13 goals, seven assists. Yes Benzema is world class, and yes he will start this game.

Vinicius Junior (LW) – Has really started to put everything together this season. A joy to watch, and finally looks to have added a clinical edge to his game too.