Real Madrid vs Celta: Team Updates and Tactical Changes

Kylian Mbappé returns to the forefront of Real Madrid’s starting lineup, joined by Fran García and Arda Güler, as Carlo Ancelotti makes strategic changes against Celta. These adjustments follow the recent Copa del Rey final, with Aurélien Tchouaméni stepping in as a central defender due to a string of injuries impacting the defense.

Real Madrid faces a challenging situation with six absences in defense, including five defenders and Eduardo Camavinga, who has occasionally covered the left-back position. Ancelotti is left with limited options against Celta, placing Lucas Vázquez and Fran García as full-backs, while Raúl Asencio partners Tchouaméni in central defense. Tchouaméni must tread cautiously, as a yellow card could see him miss the upcoming Clasico in Montjuic.

The same caution applies to Lucas and Dani Ceballos, who retains his spot in midfield. New to the lineup is Arda Güler from Turkey, as Ancelotti opts for a 4-4-2 formation featuring the Frenchman Mbappé up front. Mbappé returns fully fit after overcoming an ankle sprain that previously saw him start the Copa final on the bench.

For Celta de Vigo, Claudio Giráldez makes a midfield change by placing Hugo Sotelo in Aleix Moriba’s spot, while Iago Aspas starts the match on the bench.

Lineups for Real Madrid vs Celta:

Real Madrid: Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Tchouaméni, Asencio, Fran García; Fede Valverde, Ceballos, Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham; Vinícius and Mbappé.

Celta de Vigo: Guaita; Javi Rodríguez, Yoel Lago, Marcos Alonso; Carreira, Beltrán, Sotelo, Mingueza; Fer López, Alfon González, and Borja Iglesias.