Following Barcelona`s victory on Saturday, Real Madrid faces pressure to secure three points against Celta Vigo to remain in contention for the La Liga title. A win would reduce the gap to four points, with a crucial head-to-head fixture approaching. This season has been challenging for Los Blancos, and another slip-up could effectively end their title hopes as Barcelona holds a strong position.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti is navigating a difficult period, compounded by uncertainties surrounding his planned departure at the season`s end, alongside significant squad issues. Defender David Alaba is sidelined for the rest of the campaign. Antonio Rudiger has received a lengthy six-match suspension for an incident involving the referee, ruling him out for the remainder of Real Madrid`s matches this season and the opening fixture of the next.
Match Details
- Date: Sunday, May 4
- Time: 8 a.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu — Madrid, Spain
- Odds: Real Madrid -250; Draw +425; Celta Vigo +550
Last Encounter
In their previous meeting in the Copa del Rey, Celta Vigo provided a stern challenge to Real Madrid, ultimately succumbing in extra time. After initially leading 2-0, Real Madrid conceded two late goals (including a penalty) but secured the win through standout performances from Federico Valverde and Endrick in the added period. Despite later falling in the Copa del Rey final, this narrow victory over Celta was a significant moment for Real Madrid during the season.
Coach`s Perspective
With speculation surrounding Carlo Ancelotti`s expected departure from Real Madrid at the end of the season, the manager addressed his future ahead of the match. Ancelotti stated he would only discuss his next steps after May 25th. Although under contract until 2026, an agreement to terminate is anticipated, likely for him to take the Brazil national team job, though the timing relative to the Club World Cup remains unclear.
Ancelotti commented: “I have a lot of affection for my club, my players and the fans, and at the same time, respect. I`ll talk about my future on May 25, and not before … I don`t have to talk now about what might happen on May 25.”
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois, Fran Garcia, Raul Asencio, Aurelien Tchouameni, Lucas Vazquez, Jude Bellingham, Dani Ceballos, Arda Guler, Federico Valverde, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior
Celta Vigo: Vicente Guaita, Sergio Carreira, Javi Rodriguez, Yoel Lago, Marcos Alonso, Oscar Mingueza, Williot Swedberg, Ilaix Moriba, Fran Beltran, Pablo Duran, Borja Iglesias
Player Spotlight: Aurelien Tchouameni
Real Madrid has conceded fewer goals than Barcelona but also scored significantly fewer. This makes defensive solidity crucial. Having let in goals in four of their last six games, the defense faces a challenge against Celta, especially without the suspended Antonio Rudiger. Rudiger`s physical presence and ability to disrupt opponents will be missed. Playing potentially out of his preferred role and alongside young Raul Asencio, Aurelien Tchouameni will need to lead the defensive effort and help contain Celta`s attack, particularly Borja Iglesias.
Key Storyline: Can Real Madrid Keep Pace?
La Liga has become a tense mental battle between Real Madrid and Barcelona, with results often depending on who plays first. While Real Madrid needs Barcelona to stumble, they absolutely must not underestimate Celta Vigo. Celta is capable of causing significant issues, and Rudiger`s absence in the defense will likely give Celta confidence to push forward.
Match Prediction
With Jude Bellingham`s controversial red card overturned, Real Madrid`s attack is at full strength. Alongside Kylian Mbappe, their offensive power should be too much for Celta Vigo. While Real Madrid might concede, they are expected to score enough to secure the victory and maintain pressure on Barcelona heading into next week`s El Clásico.
Predicted Score: Real Madrid 2, Celta Vigo 1
