Celta Vigo Faces Real Madrid in Crucial La Liga Clash

Celta Vigo will host Real Madrid at the Estadio Abanca-Balaídos in a highly anticipated La Liga fixture. Both teams have shown themselves to be accomplished in maintaining possession during matches, raising questions about whether this encounter will be one of control or characterized by end-to-end action.

Carlo Ancelotti‘s team arrives in Vigo aiming to catch league leaders Barcelona, who themselves face Sevilla the following day. Demonstrating consistent form, Real Madrid has gone 41 matches without a defeat in the league, a streak they will look to extend against Celta. Attention will be focused on Kylian Mbappé, who returns refreshed after the international break and is eager to continue his scoring streak.

Real Madrid announced their starting lineup, which features Courtois in goal and a defensive backline with Lucas, Militao, Rüdiger, and Fran García. The midfield includes Tchouaméni, Camavinga, and Valverde, with Bellingham joining Mbappé and Vinicius in attack. The absence of Rodrygo has seen Fran García take his place, supporting a front line bolstered by Mbappé’s recent form.

Celta Vigo, under the management of Claudio Giráldez, faces Real Madrid without key players Iago Aspas and Ilaix Moriba, who are sidelined due to suspensions received in their last match against Las Palmas. Despite this setback, the team is eager to capitalize on their good start to the season, hoping to break a dismal record against the Madrid giants. Celta has not emerged victorious over Real Madrid at home since May 2014.

The current Celta lineup includes goalkeeper Guaita, with defenders Manquillo, Starfelt, Marcos Alonso, and Mingueza. Their midfield comprises Fran Beltrán, Hugo Sotelo, and Hugo Álvarez, while their attacking options feature Borja Iglesias and Bamba.

The match also provides an opportunity to witness Real Madrid’s new team bus, complete with the club’s titles emblazoned on its side, a symbol of their storied history. The game kicks off at 3:00 pm ET, with Hernández Hernández officiating the proceedings.