After a harsh defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final, Real Madrid will face Celta Vigo in the round of 16 of the King's Cup on Thursday evening.
Carlo Ancelotti's side have enjoyed a productive opening to the new year, but with another start Certain defeat At the hands of its rival in El Clásico, Barcelona, the door was opened for another interrogation in the Spanish capital.
The Italian manager has rarely been so puzzled A bit nervous in the aftermathand could pull off a bounce-back victory in midweek before Los Blancos play catch-up with Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
Real Madrid did not have to exit the round of 32 of this competition as they beat Deportivo Minera 5-0 ten days ago.
Celta had to beat a thriving Real Santander team 3-2 to set the date for the match on Thursday. The visitors have evolved into a more interesting tactical unit in the wake of Rafa Benitez's sacking, and are on course for a comfortable mid-table finish. League Under the leadership of promising coach Claudio Giraldes.
They have reached the Copa del Rey final three times but have never won the competition.
here 90 minutes Guide to the King's Cup match on Thursday.
Real Madrid and Celta Vigo match record (last five matches)
Current form (all competitions)
|
real madrid |
Celta Vigo |
|---|---|
|
Real Madrid 3-0 Mallorca – 01/09/25 |
Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Celta Vigo – 10/01/25 |
|
Real Madrid 3-0 Mallorca – 01/09/25 |
Racing Santander 2-3 Celta Vigo – 01/05/25 |
|
Deportivo Minera 0-5 Real Madrid – 01/06/25 |
Celta Vigo 2-0 Real Sociedad – 12/21/24 |
|
Valencia 1-2 Real Madrid – 01/03/25 |
Sevilla 1-0 Celta Vigo – 12/14/24 |
|
Real Madrid 4-2 Sevilla – 12/22/24 |
Celta Vigo 2-0 Mallorca – 12/06/24 |
|
nation |
TV Channel/Live Broadcast |
|---|---|
|
UK |
Not televised |
|
US |
ESPN+, the ESPN app |
|
Canada |
Not televised |
Ancelotti paid the price for abandoning his midfield position on the island of Vi Spanish Super Cup finalReal Madrid's attacking quartet failed to shoot, with the exception of Kylian Mbappe.
The coach is set to make changes on Thursday night ahead of this weekend's La Liga clash with Las Palmas. Mbappe could keep his place at the top, but he is likely to be joined in attack by Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz. Vinny Junior is available but suspended for La Liga, so a start makes sense here.
Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos are competing to start in midfield, with Eduardo Camavinga suffering from illness and Federico Valverde needing to rest.
The home side are still without Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao in the long-term.
Real Madrid's expected formation against Celta Vigo (4-2-3-1): moon; Vazquez, Asensio, Rudiger, Garcia; Ceballos, Modric; Guler, Diaz, Vinicius Junior; Mbappe.
Celta have an outside chance of winning European football this season, but they have no reason not to prioritize this match at the Bernabéu. Highly regarded coach Claudio Gonzalez must choose as strong a team as possible in the Spanish capital.
The visitors cannot call up veteran captain Iago Aspas, who is currently sidelined with a muscle injury. Marcos Alonso, once BarcelonaHe is out of action due to an ankle injury and will not be able to play at the weekend after being sacked in the Spanish League last weekend.
Alvon Gonzalez will be out for a few weeks but Mihailo Ristic and Javier Rodriguez are available.
The expected formation of Celta Vigo against Real Madrid (3-4-3): Villar; Rodriguez, Dominguez, Starvelt; Mingueza, Beltran, Moriba, Cervi; Duran, Bamba, Iglesias.
Real Madrid's performance was horrific in the Super Cup final, with Ancelotti's tactical errors starting to become a concern. The rotation should revitalize the team, but they will face an enterprising Celta Vigo side capable of causing an upset.
The visitors to the Giraldes are a plucky bunch, and will face their weakened hosts in a cup tie on Thursday. However, their willingness to play should open the door for Vinny Junior and Mbappe to pounce.
This may be an uncomfortable evening for Real Madrid, but we'll be backing Ancelotti's men to make a comeback.
