Real Madrid will play against Celta Vigo at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday in La Liga. Real Madrid is now leading the league with a seven-point advantage, while Celta Vigo is in the 17th position, five points ahead of Cadiz, which is presently in the relegation zone. Real Madrid narrowly advanced to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League after securing a 1-1 draw against RB Leipzig in the round of 16, following their 1-0 victory in Germany. Last weekend, Carlo Ancelotti’s team, including Vini Jr., scored two goals in a draw against Valencia. This result, together with their previous tie against Rayo Vallecano, maintains their lead over Girona by a margin of seven points. Real Madrid has the second-best home record in La Liga this season, earning 35 points out of a possible 39 and only conceding seven goals.

Securing victories over Celta and Osasuna would be very desirable prior to the first international break of 2024, as it would set us up well for the next match against Athletic Club. However, it is crucial that we get points while visiting Celta. Rafa Benitez’s team is making every effort to maintain their position in the top division, despite having 11 games remaining. The Galicians have managed to stay in the topflight since 2012. Victories over Cadiz and Almeria, both teams ranked lower than Celta in the standings, have provided some stability to the team. Despite having earned 11 points away from home, Benitez’s team still has a chance. However, Celta Vigo has not defeated Real Madrid since 2014 and has suffered defeat in their past seven encounters.

News about the team

Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and David Alaba will be unavailable for at least another month. Additionally, the season for the Austria international has already concluded. The two-match suspension of Jude Bellingham in La Liga remаins in effect, hence it is likely that Ancelotti will take into account the inclusion of Rodrygo, Luka Modric, and Brahim Diaz. There is also a possibility of Aurelien Tchouameni replacing Nacho in the defensive position.

The potential Real XI consists of Lunin in goal, Carvajal, Rudiger, Tchouameni, and Mendy in defense, Valverde, Modric, and Kroos in midfield, and Diaz, Rodrygo, and Vinicius in the attacking positions.

Celta: Renato Tapia, Joseph Aidoo, Miguel Rodriguez, and Mihailo Ristic are unavailable, while Williot Swedberg and Carlos Dotor are uncertain. Iago Aspas has returned from his suspension and there is a possibility that he may form a partnership with Jorgen Strand Larsen at the forward position. Benitez should choose a lineup similar to the one that played against Almeria. Benitez may choose for Jonathan Bamba on the left, with Oscar Mingueza positioned in front of Javier Manquillo.

The potential starting lineup for Celta Vigo consists of Guaita in goal, Manquillo, Starfelt, U Nunez, and Sanchez in defense, Mingueza and Beltran in midfield, De la Torre and Bamba on the wings, and Larsen and Aspas up forward.

Forecast

Celta will endeavor to provide challenges for Real, nevertheless, the host team is expected to eventually emerge victorious. Anticipate Ancelotti to outperform Benitez by a margin of one or two goals when these two previous managers of Everton face one other. Prediction: Real Madrid will win with a score of 2 goals, while Celta Vigo will score 1 goal.