Celta Vigo vs Real Madrid Prediction: 19/10/2024

In their nine matches so far, Celta Vigo has managed to secure four victories, three of which came at home in their first three matches at Balaidos against Alaves (2-1), Valencia (3-1), and Valladolid (3-1). However, they narrowly lost a home match to Atlético Madrid (0-1) in the 90th minute. Prior to that setback, Vigo had also suffered a 3-1 defeat against Athletic Bilbao. After a three-match winless streak, they bounced back in their previous game before the international break, defeating Las Palmas 0-1, despite finishing the match with only nine men after two quick expulsions in the 54th and 56th minutes. As of now, Celta is sitting in 9th place in La Liga.

On the other side, reigning champions Real Madrid, with 36 Spanish titles and 16 Champions League victories to their name, remain a force to be reckoned with. However, their performance so far this season has not quite lived up to their legendary status. At the start of the matchday, they occupied second place in the table, trailing Barcelona by three points. This gives Carlo Ancelotti’s team the opportunity to close the gap. Real Madrid’s away form has been mixed, winning only one of their five away matches in all competitions. They recorded draws against Mallorca (1-1), Las Palmas (1-1), and Atlético Madrid (1-1) in the league, while suffering a 1-0 defeat to Lille in the Champions League. Before the break, they secured a 2-0 win over Villarreal, but their overall performance was still concerning.

Celta Vigo faces a significant setback as they will be without key midfielder Ilaix Moriba, who is suspended, along with captain Iago Aspas (4 goals and 2 assists this season). This is a major blow to their offensive lineup. Additionally, Jonathan Bamba (formerly of Lille), Jailson, and Luca de la Torre were all unavailable before the break and may still be sidelined for this match. Borja Iglesias, on loan from Betis Sevilla, has been in fine form with four goals and two assists, while defenders Ristic and Starfelt remain doubtful.

For Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé missed the last international break due to injury or fatigue, but he is expected to be available for this match, as is Vinicius, who scored a brilliant goal against Villarreal before the break. However, goalkeeper Courtois and Militao remain sidelined, with Brahim Diaz and Ceballos also unavailable. Alaba is out until 2025, and captain Dani Carvajal will miss the rest of the season due to a cruciate ligament injury, alongside young Joan Martinez, who also sustained a serious injury during preseason.

 

Prediction

Real Madrid has dominated this fixture in recent years, winning four consecutive matches against Celta Vigo as part of a 17-match unbeaten streak in La Liga. Expect Real Madrid to edge out a win in this encounter.

Prediction: Celta Vigo 1 – 2 Real Madrid