Deportivo La Coruna vs. Real Madrid: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info, Preview

Real Madrid have been far from impressive in La Liga so far this season. Carlo Ancelotti's team has suffered two defeats in three matches, including a recent 2-1 home defeat to city rival Atletico.

Things aren't about to get easier for an underachieving Los Blancos squad. A trip to Coruna to take on Deportivo is never simple.

Before delving into a preview, here's the full schedule and viewing information:

Date: Saturday, September 20

Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET

TV: Sky Sports 5 / beIN Sports USA

Live Stream: Sky Go / beIN Sports Connect.

Preview

Ancelotti has been forced to reshuffle his defence ahead of the game. Ruthless veteran centre-back Pepe will be held out due to muscle fatigue, per a Reuters report (h/t Mail Online.)

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

Young French ace Raphael Varane will step in. That's hardly a downgrade when considering Varane's physical power, pace and instincts.

Ancelotti will be buoyed by the return of full-back Dani Carvajal. The tireless runner and tough tackler is a key member of Los Merengues' best back four.

Yet no matter who he plays in defence, Ancelotti will count on his side's ample attacking talent to win any game. It's a realistic expectation when you have Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale operating along the forward line.

That trio was the key behind last season's UEFA Champions League triumph. They were all in fine form in Madrid's first game of this season's competition, a 5-1 win over FC Basel, as each netted a goal.

That's an ominous sign for Deportivo's defence. Benzema in particular has enjoyed previous trips to Coruna:

But while Benzema has a past to smile about in Coruna, Ancelotti's history in the region is not as pleasant. In particular, the memory of a Champions League collapse with AC Milan over a decade ago, likely still stings, per Marca writer Oscar Mendez:

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Ancelotti's 'Rossoneri', then the Champions League holders, found themselves drawn against 'Super Depor' in the quarter-finals. The first leg was at the San Siro on 7th April 2004 and the Serie A giants made their pedigree show, cruising to a 4-1 victory.

In the away leg, however, Carletto's men were a shadow of themselves and succumbed to a 4-0 thrashing, meaning they were knocked out and Deportivo went through to the semi-finals.

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If Ancelotti is going to do better this time, he'll need his team to control midfield playmaker Juan Dominguez. Madrid aren't really built to stifle this season, considering their own midfield is loaded with ball players such as Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

However, if they can bypass Dominguez, Madrid's forwards will feast on the Depor defence.

Predicted Final Score: Deportivo 1-3 Real Madrid

Ancelotti's team will earn an impressive win to spark life into the league campaign and begin a credible domestic title challenge. As for Deportivo, the club's tepid start, including just one win in three matches so far, will continue.