Ace Football previews the La Liga match between Celta Vigo and Real Madrid, and offers the latest stats, tips, and team news.
Real Madrid head northwest of Spain for their latest La Liga match against Celta Vigo on Saturday afternoon.
The reigning champions are back in the title race, with only six points between the third-placed outfit and leaders Atletico Madrid. Although Celta, who sit 23 points below in 10th, have plenty to play for themselves.
It could be another close affair at Balaidos. The hosts can cause problems, while Real Madrid will be wary of a Champions League hangover. But a strong run of form, the return of key men, and their renewed title hopes should leave the away side fired up for this one.
Celta Vigo Form & Stats
A four-match unbeaten (W1 D3) at Balaidos represents Celta’s best run of home form since going six games without defeat under Oscar Garcia last season. That said, they’ve won just once following a 0-0 draw with Athletic Club.
The Sky Blues have improved since Eduardo Coudet became manager. The former Racing Club boss has helped the club go from a 17th-place finish last season into top-10 challengers this term, 11 points above the drop zone, and has lost only one of his last nine league games (W5 D3). It’s a big turnaround in form, but will it be enough against Real Madrid?
Celta’s last victory over the reigning champions came in a 2-0 triumph in May 2014 under Luis Enrique. The hosts have since failed to win in any of the last 13 encounters (D2 L11) and have suffered heavy home defeats to Barcelona (0-3), Atletico Madrid (0-2), Real Sociedad (1-4), and Villarreal (0-4) already this season.
Key Team Stats
- Won 5 of their last 9 league games (D3 L1).
- Unbeaten in their last 4 home league games (W1 D3).
- Winless in their last 13 league games against Real Madrid (D2 L11).
- Under 2.5 goals scored in their last 4 home games.
- Could draw 0-0 in successive home league games for the first tims since September 1998.
- Iago Aspas has managed 9 goals and 8 assists in 23 league games.
- Iago Aspas has the second-best rating for forwards to have completed 25 or more dribbles in the league (47/73 – 64.4%).
Real Madrid Form & Stats
Karim Benzema bagged his fourth brace of the season to steer Real Madrid to a 2-1 win over Elche in their last La Liga outing. The striker has scored in each of his three games back from injury. He’s helped put the club’s title defense back on track, grabbed crucial goals, and is now gunning for Celta in Balaidos.
Zinedine Zidane’s men have an excellent record in Vigo. Aside from a six-match unbeaten streak, they’ve won five times and scored at least three goals in each of those victories. Toni Kroos and Lucas Vazquez, in particular, have impressed against Celta, having managed a combined 14 goal contribution.
Los Blancos, meanwhile, haven’t lost any of their last nine away league games (W5 D4) and arrive off the back of an impressive 3-1 Champions League win over Atalanta, which sealed a quarter-final spot in the competition.
Key Team Stats
- Won 7 of their last 9 games in all competitions (D2).
- Unbeaten in their last 9 away league games (W5 D4).
- 6 of Real Madrid’s last 9 away league games have seen under 2.5 goals.
- BTTS in 4 of their last 5 games in all competitions.
- Second-best disciplinary record in the league on 42 yellow cards and 1 red card.
- Karim Benzema has scored 4 braces in the league this season and has been on target in each of his last 3 visits to Celta Vigo.
- Zinedine Zidane has won 7 of his 9 league games against Celta Vigo (D2), averaged 3.3 goals per match, and conceded only 8 times.
- Toni Kroos has managed 6 goals and 2 assists in 12 league games against Celta Vigo.
- Lucas Vazquez has managed 2 goals and 3 assists in 6 league games against Celta Vigo.
Team News
Celta Vigo
Out: Sergio Alvarez, Sergio Alvarez, Emre Mor.
Doubts: N/A.
Real Madrid
Out: Eden Hazard, Sergio Ramos, Mariano Diaz, Dani Carvajal, Alvaro Odriozola.
Doubts: N/A.
Predicted Line-up
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top Goalscorers in La Liga
Head-To-Head Record
Below are some head-to-head stats on each team’s recent form in La Liga.
Betting Tips
* DC: X2 – Double Chance on Away Team (Real Madrid)
More Odds
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