As La Liga action continues, Real Madrid prepare to face Celta Vigo in a matchup that brings excitement, contrasting form, and important tactical questions for both sides. While Real Madrid aim to maintain dominance at the top of the table, Celta Vigo are fighting to climb away from the lower half. With key injuries, returning players, and form concerns on both ends, this game promises a competitive battle.
Below is a complete team news update, predicted lineups, and tactical preview ahead of the match.
Real Madrid: Team News
Real Madrid enter the match with strong momentum, but Carlo Ancelotti still has important selection decisions to make.
Injury Updates
-
Thibaut Courtois – Long-term injury; remains unavailable.
-
Éder Militão – Still recovering but progressing; unlikely to start.
-
David Alaba – Out with long-term ACL injury.
-
Jude Bellingham – Expected to start after recovering from recent discomfort.
-
Ferland Mendy – Fit and available.
Despite some defensive absences, Real Madrid’s midfield and attack remain strong, and home advantage gives them a significant boost.
Players in Form
-
Vinícius Jr. continues to deliver sharp, explosive performances.
-
Rodrygo has returned to scoring consistently.
-
Toni Kroos and Fede Valverde remain the engine of Madrid’s midfield.
Celta Vigo: Team News
Celta Vigo enter this fixture needing points to improve league standing. New tactical ideas under Rafa Benítez have shown improvements, but consistency remains a challenge.
Injury Updates
-
Joseph Aidoo – Long-term injury.
-
Mihailo Ristić – Doubtful for the match.
-
Carles Pérez – Expected to return but may not start.
Players to Watch
-
Iago Aspas, even without high goal numbers this season, remains the creative force.
-
Jørgen Strand Larsen has been one of the team’s most consistent attackers.
-
Luca de la Torre adds midfield stability and transitions.
Celta’s key challenge will be defending Madrid’s pace on the wings and controlling the midfield tempo.
Predicted Lineups
🔵 Real Madrid (4-3-1-2)
Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga
Defense: Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Nacho Fernández, Ferland Mendy
Midfield: Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, Eduardo Camavinga
Attacking Midfield: Jude Bellingham
Forward: Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo
Key Notes:
Ancelotti is likely to use Bellingham in his advanced role, supporting the two Brazilian forwards. Kroos provides the midfield control, while Carvajal and Mendy offer defensive balance.
🟦 Celta Vigo (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Vicente Guaita
Defense: Kevin Vázquez, Carl Starfelt, Unai Núñez, Manu Sánchez
Midfield: Fran Beltrán, Luca de la Torre, Jonathan Bamba
Attack: Iago Aspas, Larsen, Dotor
Key Notes:
Celta Vigo will look to maintain a compact shape, use Larsen’s physicality up front, and rely on Aspas’ creativity to find chances in transition.
Tactical Preview
Real Madrid Tactics
Real Madrid will dominate possession, using:
-
Fast wing play from Vinícius and Rodrygo
-
Overlapping full-backs to break Celta’s defensive block
-
Bellingham’s vertical runs to destabilize central defenders
Kroos and Valverde are key for ball circulation, while Camavinga adds intensity and ball recovery.
Celta Vigo Tactics
Celta Vigo will likely:
-
Sit in a mid-to-low defensive block
-
Aim to counter quickly through Aspas
-
Use Strand Larsen’s strength to hold the ball
-
Overload midfield to prevent Madrid from dictating early tempo
Set pieces may also be a major opportunity for Celta.
Match Prediction
Real Madrid are favorites, especially at home, with superior form and attacking firepower. Celta Vigo will defend deep and aim for counter-attacking chances, but containing Madrid’s front line is a huge challenge.
Predicted Score:
Real Madrid 3 – 1 Celta Vigo
