Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo: A Must-Win Showdown at the Bernabéu

Los Blancos have bested Celta Vigo in their previous 10 encounters across all competitions.

Before setting their sights on El Clásico, Real Madrid must first face Celta Vigo at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu. After a gut-wrenching 3–2 loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final last weekend, the team is in dire need of redemption. With the slim hope of winning silverware resting on a tightly contested La Liga title race with Barcelona, every match counts.

To maintain the pressure on their Catalan rivals, Real Madrid needs to clinch victory in their remaining four league games, starting with the clash against Celta Vigo. However, the defending Spanish and European champions face a daunting task, as key players Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, and David Alaba have been ruled out for the season due to injuries. Joining their ranks on the injury list are Eduardo Camavinga, Éder Militão, and Dani Carvajal. Additionally, Rodrygo will not feature in Real Madrid’s squad.

With none of his starting defenders available, Carlo Ancelotti must once again depend on a makeshift defense this Sunday. He will also be counting on Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior to shine up front; otherwise, Real Madrid’s aspirations for a La Liga title could fade before their journey to Barcelona even begins.

Here’s a projected lineup for Real Madrid against Celta Vigo on May 4.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Celta Vigo (4-3-1-2)

GK: Thibaut Courtois—Courtois aims for redemption after an uncharacteristically shaky performance in the Copa del Rey finale.

RB: Lucas Vázquez—As his contract comes to a close this summer, the Spaniard may be playing his last few matches for Real Madrid.

CB: Raúl Asencio—Amidst a season plagued with defensive woes, Asencio, a former Real Madrid Castilla standout, has emerged as a bright spot.

CB: Aurélien Tchouaméni—With Alaba and Rüdiger sidelined for the rest of the campaign, Tchouaméni will return to his emergency central defensive duties. The Frenchman is one booking away from suspension and must tread carefully ahead of El Clásico.

LB: Fran García—García steps up as Ancelotti’s starting left back for the remainder of the season following Mendy’s injury.

CM: Fede Valverde—The Uruguayan has been the most reliable and adaptable player for Real Madrid this season.

CM: Dani Ceballos—After a challenging outing against Barcelona, Ceballos needs a standout performance against Celta Vigo to retain his starting role for El Clásico.

CM: Luka Modrić—Now 39 years old, Modrić captains Real Madrid for what will be his 587th appearance with the club. His future remains unclear, and this could be the Croatian’s last bow at the Bernabéu one year after Toni Kroos hung up his boots.

AM: Jude Bellingham—Although Bellingham is poised to start on Sunday, having played an exhausting 120 minutes last weekend and persevered through the season with a shoulder injury, Ancelotti might consider giving Arda Güler a chance instead.

ST: Kylian Mbappé—The French forward is slated to make his return to the starting lineup after an ankle injury against Arsenal. Fresh from surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut season goal tally, Mbappé is just four goals away from breaking the club’s all-time record.

ST: Vinícius Júnior—Struggling with consistency throughout the season, Vinícius Júnior aspires to finish on a positive note. A goal against Celta Vigo would mark only his second in six appearances.