Real Madrid host Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday night in the Copa del Rey round of 16, aiming to bounce back from their Supercopa de Espana disappointment against Barcelona. Celta Vigo, under promising coach Claudio Giraldez, arrive as underdogs but will look to test Madrid’s resolve.
Match Details
- Location: Madrid, Spain
- Stadium: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
- Date: Thursday, January 16
- Kick-off Time: 20:30 BST / 15:30 ET / 12:30 PT
- Referee: José Luis Munuera Montero
- VAR: Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez
Recent Form
| Real Madrid | Celta Vigo |
|---|---|
| Real Madrid 3-0 Mallorca | Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Celta |
| Real Madrid 5-0 Minera | Racing Santander 2-3 Celta |
| Valencia 1-2 Real Madrid | Celta Vigo 2-0 Sociedad |
| Real Madrid 4-2 Sevilla | Sevilla 1-0 Celta Vigo |
| Mallorca 0-3 Real Madrid | Celta Vigo 2-0 Mallorca |
Team News
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make several changes following their Supercopa loss.
- Unavailable: Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao (injuries).
- Doubtful: Eduardo Camavinga (illness).
- Expected Changes: Kylian Mbappe should retain his place, with Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz likely to start. Vinicius Jr, available but suspended in La Liga, could feature. Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos are set for midfield roles.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Lunin; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Garcia; Ceballos, Modric; Guler, Diaz, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe.
Celta Vigo
Celta Vigo are missing key players but are expected to field a strong side.
- Unavailable: Iago Aspas (muscle injury), Marcos Alonso (ankle injury).
- Doubtful: Alfon Gonzalez (out for weeks).
- Returning: Mihailo Ristic and Javier Rodriguez are available.
Predicted Lineup (3-4-3):
Villar; Rodriguez, Dominguez, Starfelt; Mingueza, Beltran, Moriba, Cervi; Duran, Bamba, Iglesias.
Match Prediction
Real Madrid’s rotation and tactical adjustments should provide a fresh impetus, but they’ll face a fearless Celta Vigo side looking to exploit their vulnerabilities. The visitors’ willingness to play an attacking game could create opportunities for Madrid’s star attackers like Mbappe and Vinicius Jr to shine.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Celta Vigo
A competitive tie is expected, but the hosts’ superior quality in attack should see them edge through to the quarter-finals.
