Preview: Real Madrid in Sunday night clash vs. Celta
Can Real Madrid build on Wednesday’s impressive away win over Athletic Club to ease the pressure on Xabi Alonso?
By Graham Ruthven
Questions answered
Real Madrid needed a win and they got one away to Athletic Club on Wednesday. An impressive one that at least went some way to answering the questions around Xabi Alonso and the direction of Los Blancos under his control.
The fact still stands that Real Madrid have won just one of their last four league games, but the manner of Wednesday’s 3-0 victory at San Mames hinted at the start of a recovery.
Another disappointing result at home to Celta Vigo on Sunday, however, would increase the pressure again, and potentially hand control of the title race to Barcelona who face Real Betis 24 hours earlier.
Celta could be troublesome opponents. Claudio Giráldez’s team have won three of their six away games in LaLiga this season and boast an attack that has scored 13 goals in six matches.
Real Madrid are unbeaten against Celta Vigo in LaLiga since 2014, but Sunday’s encounter has the potential to be a competitive one.
Key players
Kylian Mbappé is in the form of his life, which is saying something considering his achievements to date. The French forward registered two goals and an assist against Athletic on Wednesday, bringing his tally to 20 goal contributions in just 15 league outings.
Vinícius Júnior will likely start as Mbappé’s strike partner with the pair deployed as split forwards. The Brazilian hasn’t been at his best so far this season, but still has five league goals to his name.
Arda Güler has created more Big Chances than any Real Madrid player this season, although it’s not certain that the youngster will start against Celta. He only came on off the bench against Athletic.
Güler’s omission from the lineup could see Alonso favour Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Dani Ceballos deeper to create a box midfield.
Borja Iglesias is Celta Vigo’s top scorer in LaLiga this season, but has found the back of the net just once in his last 10 outings in all competitions.
Oscar Mingueza will be a threat down the right side with the former Barcelona player Celta’s most productive player in terms of Big Chances created this season. Meanwhile Bryan Zaragoza’s dribbling ability could make him a threat.
Team news
Trent Alexander-Arnold is facing another spell on the sidelines after sustaining a thigh injury in the mid-week over Athletic Club. The England international will be unavailable for the next two months.
Eduardo Camavinga is another Real Madrid player who came off against Athletic with an injury, although the Frenchman’s issue isn’t believed to be as serious as Alexander-Arnold’s.
David Alaba and Dean Huijsen both missed Wednesday’s game and will be assessed before facing Celta Vigo while Dani Carvajal is still a long-term absentee.
Hugo Álvarez and Carlos Domínguez were both recent injury absentees for Celta, but both players have returned to action, meaning the visitors to the Santiago Bernabéu this weekend will have a fully fit and available squad to choose from.
Prediction
With Madrid playing catch-up, appearing after Barcelona have played their game, maintaining new momentum will be key for Xabi Alonso. We expect a home win but for Celta to make it highly competitive: Real Madrid 2-1 Celta Vigo.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
You can follow every game from LaLiga with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.