Key Highlights
- Real Madrid has won their last 11 matches against Celta Vigo.
- The match will take place on Sunday, December 7 at the Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain.
- Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid face a tough challenge as Celta Vigo comes into the game struggling for form.
- Real Madrid predict a lineup featuring key players such as Courtois, Asencio, and Vinicius Junior, with potential lineup changes due to injuries.
- Celta Vigo’s Borja Iglesias will lead their attack against Real Madrid’s weakened backline.
Match Preview: Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo
Real Madrid, the 15-time European champions, host Celta Vigo in an all-important La Liga clash on Sunday, December 7 at the Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain.
The match will see Real Madrid looking to capitalize on their recent form against a struggling Celta Vigo side. Despite their strong head-to-head record with a recent 3-2 win over Celta Vigo (May 4, 2025), Los Blancos cannot afford any missteps as they battle Barcelona for the Spanish title.
Real Madrid’s Form
Xabi Alonso’s side have won their last five matches against Celta Vigo but have had to settle for draws in recent La Liga games. They managed only draws with Rayo Vallecano, Elche and Girona before getting back on track by defeating Athletic Club.
Real Madrid will be without several key players due to injuries. Trent Alexander-Arnold is set for a two-month layoff after suffering a quad injury midweek, joining Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy on the sidelines until 2026. Eduardo Camavinga is also nursing an ankle issue but remains a doubt for Sunday’s clash.
Celta Vigo’s Struggles
Despite their recent win over Rayo Vallecano, Celta Vigo have struggled in recent weeks, collecting only three points out of 15 across all competitions. Their last victory against Real Madrid was in 2017, and they face the challenge of Borja Iglesias leading the attack.
Claudio Giráldez’s men are also dealing with fitness concerns as Mihailo Ristić and Joseph Aidoo are doubts for the match due to injuries picked up during their midweek Copa del Rey clash against Sant Andreu. Despite this, Celta Vigo could still field a strong lineup.
Lineup Predictions
Xabi Alonso faces decisions at right back with Asencio likely to get the nod over Raúl Asencio in the absence of key players. Real Madrid’s predicted lineup features Courtois, Asencio, Militão, Rüdiger, Carreras, Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Mbappé.
Celta Vigo will counter with a 3-4-3 formation led by Borja Iglesias. Radu will play in goal, J. Rodríguez and Starfelt will form the defense alongside Alonso, while Román, Carreira, Beltrán, and Aspas are expected to make up the midfield and attack.
Prediction
Real Madrid might not be firing on all cylinders but their return home after six consecutive away matches could provide a boost. They are expected to put forth a strong performance despite Celta Vigo’s recent struggles. However, the visitors will look to exploit Real Madrid’s weakened backline and attack Asencio.
The pressure is on Borja Iglesias to find the back of the net against a formidable Real Madrid defense. The prediction leans towards Real Madrid securing a comfortable victory over Celta Vigo with a 3-1 scoreline, but both teams will be wary of any surprises in this crucial La Liga clash.