La Liga 2016/17: Zinedine Zidane will equal Guardiola's record if Madrid beat Espanyol tonight

Zinedine Zidane has started his managing career on a high at the Bernabeu

Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane could equal the best run by a team in La Liga if they beat Espanyol tonight.

Real Madrid have won 15 straight League games under Zidane and may equal Barcelona's all-time best record of 16 wins achieved in 2011 under Pep Guardiola. If Real wins against Espanyol, this will be their best ever winning streak in La Liga.

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale set to be out for Espanyol game

Speaking on levelling Guardiola's record, Zidane said, "The record makes us happy, of course. What we want, more than anything, is to keep winning games, getting the three points, which is the most important. I'm very proud of my players, it is they who play every three days, and put in incredible performances every time they go out. So I'm very satisfied and proud of them, and the many other people who work with me in the club."

Real travel to Cornella El-Prat with a fine record of being 17 games unbeaten against Espanyol. The home side last beat Madrid back in 2007 and have suffered some heavy defeats over the years against Madrid.

Espanyol are still looking for their first win of the season whereas Real will go top if they beat Espanyol.

Ronaldo, in his last trip to Espanyol, scored five goals but is expected to miss tonight's game as the Portuguese is down with a sore throat. Gareth Bale is also expected to be given a rest because of a minor hip injury he suffered in midweek.

Zidane said, "The players want to play, which is good, but with so many games to play, every three days, we cannot take risks with such an important player. I'm not saying tomorrow is not important, but he might get a bang in the same spot, and be out for 10 days, or more. I prefer for him to be 100 percent on Wednesday. Although I always speak first with the player. "

James Rodriguez is expected to start his first game of the season, as the Colombian has fallen down the pecking order under Zidane. Madrid play seven games in the next 22 games and many changes are expected in tonight's game against Espanyol.

Bale and Ronaldo will definitely be rested for the big game against Borussia Dortmund in Champions League.

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