Real Madrid travels to Balaídos to face Celta Vigo, with their La Liga aspirations at stake. Two successive defeats have seen them relinquish the lead to Barcelona, who now hold a four-point advantage with 36 points still up for grabs. A setback in Vigo could spell the end for Real Madrid’s title challenge. Victory, however, would put pressure on Barcelona, who face a tricky fixture against Athletic Bilbao.
Defensive Challenges for Madrid
Arbeloa faces selection difficulties in defence due to several absences. Huijsen and Carreras are suspended, while Militao and Alaba are sidelined through injury. Asencio is also doubtful. Courtois is expected to start in goal. Trent may feature at right-back, with Asencio and Rüdiger potentially forming the centre-back partnership, although Lamini Fati or Diego Aguado could step in if Asencio is unavailable. Ferland Mendy is in line for an unexpected return at left-back.
Midfield and Attack Selection
In midfield, Arbeloa is likely to persist with the same lineup that started against Getafe, despite its shortcomings. Tchouameni and Güler are set to form the double pivot. Valverde is expected to play on the right, with Thiago Pitarch on the left. This presents another opportunity for the youth player, who performed respectably against Getafe in his first start.
Vinicius Leads the Line
Up front, Vinicius is certain to start in the absence of Mbappé. Gonzalo has been his usual partner, but Madrid may opt for Brahim in Vigo. Brahim offers more pace on the counter-attack against a Celta side expected to play a higher line than Getafe.
Possible Starting Eleven
The predicted Real Madrid lineup against Celta is: Courtois; Trent, Asencio, Rüdiger, Mendy; Valverde, Güler, Tchouameni, Thiago; Brahim or Gonzalo, and Vinicius.