Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo

Estadio Santiago Bernabeu forms the backdrop for a high-stakes La Liga showdown between Real Madrid and Celta Vigo. 

After a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, Real Madrid’s only chance to avoid a trophyless season is to overhaul a seven-point deficit to Los Blaugranas in La Liga. However, that’s easier said than done, though Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be out to hold up their end of the bargain after winning the last three league games 1-0. That tight scoreline highlights the difficulty of the moment. Adding to this sentiment, each of their four home league outings since the start of March featured a one-goal margin (W3, L1). Celta’s visit bodes well, considering Los Blancos have won their last ten H2Hs, including a narrow 2-1 triumph in December’s reverse fixture in Vigo.

On the other hand, Celta bolstered their pursuit of a top-eight finish and, in turn, European qualification with a thumping 3-0 home victory against Villarreal last weekend. That victory halted their two-game losing streak and set them up nicely for this historically grueling fixture. Indeed, the visitors head into proceeding, seeking their first H2H win since January 2017 (D3, L15). Furthermore, they’ve not won an away meeting with Real Madrid in La Liga since November 2006 (D1, L11). Celta’s dreadful traveling record against teams from the Community of Madrid spells further trouble (D1, L2). Against this backdrop, they had strung together a four-game unbeaten streak in away league action (W2, D2) before losing at Barcelona last time out.