Following Barcelona`s recent win against Valladolid, Real Madrid is under pressure to secure a victory against Celta Vigo to remain within striking distance in the La Liga title race. A win would reduce the gap to four points ahead of their direct encounter scheduled for May 11. This season has been challenging for Real Madrid, and any further slip-ups could effectively hand the title to a strong Barcelona side.
Team News and Ancelotti`s Situation
Adding to the complexities for manager Carlo Ancelotti is uncertainty surrounding his own future, with his departure expected at the season`s end. The team also faces significant personnel issues due to injuries and suspensions. David Alaba is out for the remainder of the season, while Antonio Rudiger has received a six-match ban for an incident involving throwing objects towards a referee. This suspension not only ends Rudiger`s season for Real Madrid but will also keep him out of the first match next season.
Match Information
The match is scheduled for Sunday, May 4, at 8 a.m. ET and will be played at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain. Supporters can stream the game live on ESPN+.
Recent Encounter
In their last meeting in the Copa del Rey, Celta Vigo pushed Real Madrid hard before succumbing in extra time after conceding three unanswered goals. Real Madrid initially led 2-0 but allowed Celta to score twice after the 83rd minute, including a penalty. However, performances from Federico Valverde and Endrick in extra time secured Real Madrid`s passage to the next round. While Real Madrid ultimately lost the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona, this victory against Celta was considered a high point of their season.
Coach Commentary
Carlo Ancelotti commented on his future amid widespread reports of his impending departure. He stated that he would address his next move only after the current season concludes on May 25, emphasizing his affection and respect for the club, players, and fans. Although under contract until 2026, Ancelotti is expected to reach an agreement with Real Madrid to terminate his contract after this season. It is widely anticipated that he will take on the Brazil national team job, potentially before or after Real Madrid participates in the Club World Cup this summer.
Predicted Starting 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 to Watch
Aurelien Tchouameni, Real Madrid: Despite conceding fewer goals than Barcelona this season, Real Madrid has also scored significantly less. This makes defensive solidity crucial. Real Madrid has conceded in four of their last six matches. Without Antonio Rudiger, the defense faces a tough challenge in keeping Borja Iglesias quiet. Rudiger`s physicality and ability to disrupt opponents will be missed, and Tchouameni will need to step up, potentially playing out of his natural position alongside the young Asencio.
Key Match Storyline
Can Real Madrid Respond?: The La Liga title race has become a week-by-week psychological battle influenced by who plays first. Real Madrid may need Barcelona to drop points, but they cannot afford to overlook Celta Vigo, especially with El Clásico on the horizon. Celta Vigo can pose problems if given space, and Rudiger`s absence might embolden them to attack more freely.
Match Prediction
With Jude Bellingham`s red card overturned, Real Madrid`s attack should have enough quality to overcome Celta. Alongside Kylian Mbappe, they are expected to apply significant pressure. Even if they don`t keep a clean sheet, Real Madrid is likely to do just enough to secure three points and maintain a reasonable distance in the league standings before facing Barcelona next week.
Predicted Score: Real Madrid 2, Celta Vigo 1
