Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo: Preview, Predictions, Lineups

Match Preview

Real Madrid currently finds itself in a crucial phase of the La Liga season as they gear up for a pivotal match against Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday. With only five matches remaining, Real Madrid is in a fierce battle for the La Liga title, sitting four points behind the league leaders Barcelona. A victory could significantly bolster their title aspirations, especially given Barcelona’s expected win against Real Valladolid earlier in the weekend.

Real Madrid’s recent form has been a mixed bag. Following a disappointing quarter-final exit in the Champions League at the hands of Arsenal, Ancelotti’s men suffered a heart-wrenching 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final last weekend. Despite those setbacks, they have managed crucial victories in their last three league matches, each by a narrow 1-0 margin. However, they face a Celta side that is on the hunt for European football, having recently secured a convincing 3-0 win over Villarreal.

Historically, Real Madrid enjoys dominance over Celta, having won their last nine encounters in La Liga. Earlier this season, they defeated Celta 2-1 in Vigo and thumped them 5-2 in the Copa del Rey, further solidifying their positional strength. However, Celta has not come out on top against Real Madrid in the league since May 2014, which adds psychological pressure as they head to the Bernabéu.

Current Standings

As the two teams prepare to clash, Real Madrid holds second place in the La Liga standings with 61 points, diligently pursuing Barcelona at the top. Meanwhile, Celta Vigo sits in seventh place with 46 points, just two points clear of ninth-placed Mallorca, making this matchup critical for both clubs.

Team News

For Real Madrid, the injury list is concerning, with key players like Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao out for the season due to long-term knee injuries. They will also be without Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, and Antonio Rudiger as these players also end their campaigns early due to injury issues. Eduardo Camavinga remains sidelined with an adductor problem, although Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe are fit and ready to feature.

The recent red cards issued to Jude Bellingham and Lucas Vazquez against Barcelona have added to the squad woes, although Bellingham’s suspension has since been lifted, and Vazquez will serve his two-game ban in next season’s Copa del Rey. Consequently, Aurelien Tchouameni and Raul Asencio are likely to step into the defensive roles alongside Fran Garcia and Vazquez in the full-back positions.

Celta Vigo, on the other hand, has fewer injury concerns, with Carl Starfelt absent due to a hamstring issue and Jones El-Abdellaoui doubtful for this encounter. Head coach Claudio Giraldez may opt to introduce Ilaix Moriba into midfield, replacing Fran Beltran from their previous match. Veteran forward Iago Aspas may start on the bench again, as younger talents comprise the attacking front alongside Borja Iglesias.

Possible Lineups

Real Madrid’s potential starting lineup:
Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Tchouameni, F. Garcia; Valverde, Ceballos, Modric; Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe

Celta Vigo’s potential starting lineup:
Guaita; Lago, Dominguez, Alonso; Alvarez, Rodriguez, Moriba, Mingueza; F. Lopez, Iglesias, Gonzalez

Predictions

Given the intensity of the match and Real Madrid’s home advantage, expectations are high for a competitive game. While the injuries within Ancelotti’s squad are a concern, their historical dominance over Celta should play a significant role. The prediction is a narrowly contested victory for Real Madrid, likely to end at 2-1, keeping them firmly in the title race.

For further match data, including analysis and potential outcomes, don’t hesitate to check the detailed insights provided by BBC Sport.