Verdict: Real Madrid to win HT/FT – yes
Best Odds: 7/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
Real Madrid are one of the top title candidates in the 2019-20 LaLiga season and their top priority is to fight against FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid for the title. Los Merengues will begin their title defence on the road this next Saturday against Celta Vigo at Balaidos. Los Gallegos were one of the worst teams in the league last season, and will try to bounce back with a strong performance in the season opener. The kick-off for this match will be at 16:00 hrs BST.
Celta Vigo
There’s no question that Celta Vigo had an underwhelming season during the 2018/19 campaign, and the best reflection of that was the fact they finished in 17th place of the standings. In fact, the Balaidos outfit ended last term winning just one of their last five matches (W1, D3, L1), albeit that lone win came against the Liga champions, FC Barcelona. Either way, it was a disappointing effort for the Gallego side, and they will certainly aim to start the new campaign on a stronger note — even if the odds are stacked against them. Celta have not defeated Real Madrid in their previous five Liga H2H meetings (D1, L4) and just once in their last 10 meetings across all competitions (W1, D2, L7). Can they pull the upset? At the very least, the fact that Celta went undefeated in their last five home league outings last season (W4, D1) could give them a slight glimmer of hope.
Team News
Celta Vigo have several absentees ahead of this match. Sergio Alvarez, David Junca and Santi Mina have all been ruled out for this contest.
Real Madrid
Few teams in Europe enter the 2019/20 with the amount of pressure that Real Madrid carry on their shoulders. Following a disappointing 2018/19 season where Los Merengues had three different managers (Julen Lopetegui, Santiago Solari and Zinedine Zidane) and after going trophyless, now it’s boom or bust for the Santiago Bernabeu side. They own a clear edge in the H2H series against Celta Vigo (W7, D2, L1 in their last 10 games in all competitions), but that’s not enough to have a lot of confidence entering this contest. Real Madrid’s preseason tour was far from spectacular (W3, L4) and they also ended winless in their last five away matches in LaLiga last season (D2, L3). Los Merengues had a W8, D4, L7 mark away from home last season as well. Can they begin the new campaign with an improved effort and a better result this time around?
Team News
Zinedine Zidane won’t have Ferland Mendy, Brahim Diaz and Mariano Diaz available. Plus, Marco Asensio and Rodrygo are both doubtful.
Key Factors to Consider
- Four of Celta’s last five LaLiga home games against the 2018/19 top-three (Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid) saw Celta score the final match goal beyond the 80th minute.
- Real Madrid have won both halves in three of their last four LaLiga victories at Celta.
- In those three wins, Real Madrid scored exactly three goals in one half. They also won each game by an – at least – two-goal margin.
- Celta Vigo won just once in their last five LaLiga matches from last season (W1, D3, L1).
- Real Madrid lost three of their last five LaLiga matches last term (W1, D1, L3).
Conclusion
Los Merengues are undefeated in their last five LaLiga matches against Celta Vigo (W4, D1). Those five games have featured over 2.5 goals as well.
Plus, Madrid’s tendencies in recent matches against Celta has seen them win both halves on a regular basis. Expect that trend to continue.
Verdict: Real Madrid to win HT/FT – yes
Best Odds: 7/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
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