MADRID, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- It's win of bust for Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid as they entertain Espanyol in the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday night.
The Bernabeu will be celebrating its 65th anniversary for the game, but there will be little room for celebration unless the side produces a convincing performance.
Mourinho's side suffered their sixth defeat of the campaign as they were beaten 2-1 by Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday and although that result leaves Madrid's hopes of reaching the quarterfinal very much alive, it provoked another outburst of criticism from Mourinho towards his players and their attitude.
That in turn was followed by a series of press articles again questioning the relationship between Mourinho and a dressing room that is increasingly frustrated at the attitude of a coach who points the finger of blame their way every time there is a defeat and it does appears tensions between the coach and some players are mounting.
Mourinho appeared to blame winger Angel de Maria in midweek, by substituting him early in the game, but will have little option other than to play the winger on Sunday as Karim Benzema is doubtful with an ankle injury and Gonzalo Higuain has till to recover from a muscle problem.
That will see Cristiano Ronaldo play a central striking role with Javier Callejon and De Maria in support.
Fabio Coentrao should return at left back allowing Sergio Ramos to return to central defense and Alvaro Arbeloa to right back, while B-team defender Nacho Gonzalez will probably be on the bench.
Espanyol travel to Madrid deep in trouble with just 11 points from 15 games, although they have drawn their two matches since Javier Aguirre replaced Mauricio Pochettino as team coach three weeks ago.
Aguirre has adopted a more pragmatic style that his predecessor and that could see Espanyol sit deep while looking to hit long passes to their front players. If they are able to keep a clear sheet in the opening minutes it will be interesting to see how long the patience of the Real Madrid fans lasts.
Mourinho was booed after his side's defeat to Betis three weeks ago and the fans in the Bernabeu are unlikely to forgive Wednesday's defeat, anniversary or no.