La Liga leaders Real Madrid will look to make it 20 consecutive victories in all competitions as they travel to managerless Almeria today for their final league outing of the year.
The European champions head off to Morocco next week to contest the Club World Cup and will be keen to keep their fine run going into 2015.
After downing Celta Vigo last weekend, a comfortable 4-0 victory over Ludogorets Razgrad in midweek saw Los Blancos beat the previous Spanish record of 18, a figure set by Barcelona in the 2005-2006 season.
Real became only the sixth side to go through the group stage with a clean sweep of victories in the Champions League – they are the only side to do it twice – and their fine form is delighting boss Carlo Ancelotti.
“It is a result we have achieved with extraordinary seriousness and an incredible amount of professionalism,” said Ancelotti.
“It is not easy preparing for each game with the same levels of motivation and eagerness that these players are showing. I know that I have an extraordinary group of players.”
Ronaldo enjoying perfect start to season
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 28th goal of the season and his 72nd overall in the Champions League on Tuesday and will look to continue his lethal form in front of goal as they visit an Almeria side who have not won in the league since September.
Monday’s 5-2 thrashing at the hands of Eibar finally cost Francisco Rodriguez his job with the Andalusians only above the relegation zone on goal difference.
Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Isco and Toni Kroos were the only first team regulars not handed the night off by Ancelotti in midweek, so the likes of Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema are set to return.
James Rodriguez will be missing, though, as the World Cup’s top goalscorer joins fellow midfielders Luka Modric and Sami Khedira on the sidelines after picking up a calf injury against Celta last weekend that is likely to see him miss the rest of the year.
Should Madrid continue their irresistible form, the pressure will be on Barcelona when they visit Getafe on Saturday looking to remain within two points off the league leaders.
