Celta de Vigo vs Real Madrid: Match Preview

What we know

Celta de Vigo currently sits in 7th place in La Liga with 33 points, while Real Madrid is 2nd with 57 points. Celta's recent form includes a 0-1 loss to Sevilla and a 3-0 victory against Rayo Vallecano. In contrast, Real Madrid's latest matches feature an impressive 6-1 win against Monaco, followed by a 0-2 loss to Villarreal.

Availability

Predicted Lineups

Celta de Vigo:

• Goalkeepers: #13 Ionuț Radu, #1 Iván Villar
• Defenders: #26 Marc Vidal, #40 Marcos Maestu, Álvaro Núñez, #12 Manuel Fernández, #31 Pablo González
• Midfielders: #9 Ferran Jutglà, #39 Jones El-Abdellaoui, Fer López, #16 Miguel Román, #36 Andrés Antañón, #33 Óscar Marcos, #38 Hugo Burcio, #22 Hugo Sotelo
• Forwards: #23 Hugo Alvarez, #19 Williot Swedberg, #28 Ángel Arcos

Real Madrid:

• Goalkeepers: #1 Thibaut Courtois, #13 Andriy Lunin
• Defenders: #43 Sergio Mestre, #26 Fran Gonzalez, #29 Javi Navarro, #18 Álvaro Carreras, #20 Fran García, #35 David Jiménez
• Midfielders: #27 Diego Aguado, #40 Víctor Valdepeñas, #41 Jesús Fortea, #36 Joan Martínez, #30 Franco Mastantuono, #45 Thiago Pitarch, #28 Jorge Cestero, #38 César Palacios, #47 Dani Meso
• Forwards: #46 Álvaro Leiva

Tactical note

Celta, under coach Claudio, has shown resilience, especially at home, while Real Madrid's managerial setup under Arbeloa utilizes a high-pressing and possession-oriented style. Expect a tactical battle that leverages Celta's home advantage against Real's star-studded lineup.

What to watch

Key players to monitor will include Celta's Ferran Jutglà, who could be instrumental in attack, while Real’s Thibaut Courtois will be vital in goal to mitigate Celta's threats. The head-to-head history heavily favors Madrid, highlighting Celta's struggle against them over the years, with their last encounter resulting in a 0-2 defeat.