Real Madrid Announce Lineup Ahead of Clash Against Celta Vigo

Real Madrid has unveiled their starting lineup for the upcoming match against Celta Vigo, marking their return to La Liga competition following the FIFA international break. The lineup sees Andriy Lunin in goal, with Lucas Vazquez, Eder Militao, Toni Rudiger, and Ferland Mendy forming the defensive line. The midfield includes Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde, while the attack is led by Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe.

In anticipation of the match, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti indicated that the team must focus on gaining momentum with a series of challenging fixtures on the horizon. A crucial El Clasico against arch-rivals FC Barcelona looms the following week, with Real Madrid currently trailing Barcelona by three points in the league standings.

Ancelotti expressed optimism about his squad’s current state, highlighting the benefits of the international break for key players like Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe. “I’m much more confident now than I was a month ago. We can get a better version [of ourselves] than in recent times,” Ancelotti stated during a pre-match press conference. He noted that both Vinicius and Mbappe, who were not active for their national teams, used the break to rest and undergo rigorous training sessions.

Vinicius, a leading candidate for the Ballon d'Or, has reportedly utilized the break effectively, as has Mbappe, who is set to play after recovering from a muscle injury that sidelined him for the recent derby against Atletico Madrid. “Vinicius enjoyed some days of rest and hard work, which was important for him,” Ancelotti added. “Mbappe is happy and eager to be an important player again.”

With Real Madrid opting for a four-midfielder formation, Federico Valverde is set to start on the right, while Jude Bellingham takes position on the left. The central midfield is balanced with the physical presence of Tchouameni and Camavinga.

Lucas Vazquez steps into the role at right-back due to Dani Carvajal‘s absence, following a severe ACL injury. Alongside Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, and Mendy will aim to stabilize the defense and prevent Celta Vigo from scoring.

The match is scheduled to take place on October 19, 2024, at 21:00 CET (03:00 EST) at Balaidos Stadium in Vigo, Spain. Fans can watch the match live on Movistar La Liga.