Real Madrid December preview

Real Madrid head into the last month of a highly successful year with mixed feelings. 

Zidane's men enjoyed a fantastic 2017, winning the La Liga, Champions League, UEFA and Spanish Super Cups respectively.

It has however been a below-par start to the season as the Los Blancos find themselves fourth on the La Liga standings after 13 round of matches.

However, It could be a December to remember as the team stands a chance to win another record-setting title.

An end of the year El Clasico win means Madrid can also draw themselves back into contention for the La Liga title. In all, it is a vital December for the team.

Real Madrid will play six matches this month, here is a short preview of each fixture

Saturday, December 2.
MATCHDAY 14 - LA LIGA
Athletic Club vs Real Madrid

Real Madrid kick off their December as they travel to face Athletic Club at the San Mamés. Madrid can't afford to drop more points in the league to keep and catch up with Barcelona. The Los Blancos are currently eight points behind their archrivals.

Athletic are six points above the relegation zone in 16th place and will give Madrid a good fight for the points.  

Verdict: The match on paper is Real Madrid's easiest league match in December and a highly winnable match. 

Wednesday, December 6.
MATCHDAY 6 - CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund

Real Madrid are already through to the second round of the Champions League but are surprisingly second, behind Tottenham. Madrid can however still top the group, depending on the outcome of the other game between Tottenham and APOEL. 

Borussia Dortmund will come into this game wanting to win or get a decent result that will see them qualify for the UEFA Europa League. 

Verdict: For Real Madrid, there is nothing but pride at stake coming into this match. The Los Blancos can't afford to lose at the Bernabeu. 

Saturday, December 9.
MATCHDAY 15 - LA LIGA
Real Madrid vs Sevilla

One of the key games that will determine Real Madrid's title fate. Sevilla have been impressive this season and are currently fifth on the table, two points behind  Madrid.

Verdict: This home game against Sevilla, is a must-win match. A draw or defeat will further dent Real Madrid's title hopes.

Wednesday, December 13.
SEMI FINAL - CLUB WORLD CUP
Opponent yet to be decided

Real Madrid head into the FIFA Club World Cup as favourites. And are expected to make it to the final.

Verdict: Irrespective of the opposition, Madrid should qualify for the final of the competition.

Saturday, December 16.
FINAL OR MATCH FOR THIRD PLACE - CLUB WORLD CUP
Opponent yet to be decided

Real Madrid are the defending champions and are the first defending champions to qualify for the subsequent tournament.

The team could become the first club to win the competition back to back.

Verdict: An opportunity to end the year on a high, and one that must not be wasted.

Saturday, December 23.
MATCHDAY 17 - LA LIGA
Real Madrid vs Barcelona

The first domestic El Clásico of the season, and the perfect opportunity for Real Madrid to state their title intentions with a great performance, and ultimately get the three points at stake to further close the eight points gap between both teams.

The outcome of this match would determine if there would be a title race in the La Liga this season or not.

Verdict: Real Madrid's last game of the year could be their most important. It will have a huge effect on how long the Spanish title race lasts. A must win match for the home side.

Final verdict: Real Madrid will be playing key games against Sevilla and Barcelona at home. The six available points in these games could massively decide their title fate.