La Liga
Celta Vigo vs Real Madrid Preview
‘Los Célticos’ welcome Real Madrid to Galicia for what promises to be an exciting affair. Although the home club have only managed one win in their previous five matches, they are currently the third highest scoring team in La Liga. Additionally, manager Antonio Mohamed and his team represent what is arguably Madrid’s first real test since appointing interim coach Santiago Solari.
The Argentine replaced Julen Lopetegui two weeks ago and since then Los Blancos have won three games in a row, scoring eleven and conceding none. However, Sunday’s visit to Abanca-Balaídos sees the Spanish giants face tougher opposition. As well as a better measure of Solari’s work with the squad since taking over. The visitors currently sit 6th in the table with three points more than Celta who sit 11th.
Team News
Mohamed will be happy to have almost his entire squad fit for this match, which kicks off at 2:45 pm EST. The Mexican-Argentinian coach is only missing one player, namely midfielder Stanislav Lobotka.
In contrast, Real continue to be without several key defenders. Even though right back Dani Carvajal has a chance of recovering in time for the match, Marcelo and Rafael Varane are ruled out.
As a result, Solari will continue to rely on Nacho, Alvaro Odriozola and Sergio Reguilón to fill in for defense. The three replacements have been able backups so far, evidenced by the squad’s three clean sheets.
Other players recovering from injury for the whites include striker Mariano and defender Jesus Vallejo. Both Marco Asensio and Luka Modric should start after being rested mid-week.
Ultimately, all eyes will be on the attacking lines of both teams. The Galicians possess one of the league’s best scoring pairs in Iago Aspas and Maxi Gomez. Meanwhile Karim Benzema has scored in 4 of the 5 previous matches.
Lineups and Prediction
Celta Vigo: Alvarez; Cabral, Roncaglia, Araujo; Mendez, Yokuslu, Beltran, Hjulsager; Sisto, Aspas, Gomez
Real Madrid: Courtois; Odriozola, Nacho, Ramos, Reguion; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Bale, Benzema, Asensio
Celta Vigo will likely end Madrid’s good defensive run. A run which owes itself as much to the cross bar as to solid defending. While Aspas is tied for second in the Pichichi race, his partner Gomez is fresh off a midweek brace against Real Betis.
Likewise, Real’s on-fire Benzema will be partnered by Gareth Bale who scored for the first time since September on Wednesday. The Welshman will be eager to bag more, as well as Asensio and Vinicius Jr. Both of whom are overdue to find the back of the net.
In summary, both goalkeepers can expect busy nights. Thibaut Courtois is almost certain to start, with the Belgian being preferred by his new coach over Keylor Navas. Accordingly, Alvarez can expect the same on the other end.
Neither club can boast good defensive records at the moment with a combined 30 goals conceded between the two. In what will likely be a shootout, the current European champions have momentum on their side.
Ultimately, Solari will extend his impressive run by defeating Celta at home. Something Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico have failed to do so far in 2018.
Celta Vigo 2 – 3 Real Madrid
Photo credit to Real Madrid via Flickr
