Prediction: Celta Vigo vs Real Madrid

Verdict: Real Madrid win

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to make it three La Liga victories on the bounce this weekend, Real Madrid will make the trip to Celta Vigo on Friday night.

Celta Vigo

Starting with the hosts, forced to settle for what was a downbeat finish among Spain’s elite last season, it is no secret that Celta Vigo are seeking some much-needed stability this time around. Although the Sky Blues might have appointed former Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez this summer, the Galicia-Based outfit have struggled to find much of a boost since opening the 2023/24 campaign. Despite being last seen landing a gritty 1-1 stalemate away at Real Sociedad, Celta have mustered just a single point from their opening two La Liga appearances. Opening the new season with a worrying 2-0 loss at home against Osasuna, Benitez’s squad should also be concerned by a nightmare record against Friday’s guests. Hit with a 4-1 drumming when they welcomed Los Blancos to Balaidos 12 months ago, it should be noted that Sky Blues have lost each of their last six straight meetings against the title contenders.

Team News

Yet to make a La Liga appearance since sustaining a pre-season calf injury, Celta should once again be without Goncalo Paciencia on Friday night. Likewise, Benitez’s men are also sweating over the fitness of 25-year-old Carles Perez this weekend.

Although ex-Liverpool striker Iago Aspas might still be waiting to open his La Liga account this season, the Spanish international will spearhead Celta’s charge here.

Real Madrid

As for the visitors, finishing 10 points adrift of defending their La Liga crown last season and coming under a huge amount of domestic scrutiny, Real Madrid have certainly come roaring back this time around. Last seen mounting a stellar comeback away at Almeria as they eventually claimed a thrilling 3-1 victory, Carlo Ancelotti’s men have come flying out of the traps. Opening the 2023/24 campaign with a routine 2-0 win away at Athletic Bilbao, the one-time Everton boss will be smelling a golden opportunity here. One of just three clubs who can boast a 100% start to the new season, Los Blancos have also found a real clinical edge in the final third. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat at the top of the La Liga standings and holding that rampant record against Friday’s hosts, the title contenders are rightfully tipped as a standout contender this weekend.

Team News

Bagging a brace away at Almeria last weekend and now notching three strikes in his opening two La Liga appearances, England international Jude Bellingham will have a key role to play on Friday night.

However, dealing with what is a stacked injury list, Los Blancos will be without the likes of Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Daniel Ceballos and summer arrival Arda Guler. Luka Modric could be handed a full recall this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on April 22nd, Real Madrid picked up a 2-0 victory on home soil.
• Likewise, Los Blancos have won each of their last six meetings against Celta Vigo.
• The former Spanish champions have also notched 18 strikes on that six-match winning run.
• The Sky Blues have failed to win any of their last 14 straight meetings against Friday’s guests across all competitions – a run that stems back to January 2017.
• Real Madrid have won each of their previous five trips to Balaidos by an aggregate score of 16-6.

Conclusion

Opening the new season with a real flurry and one of just three La Liga clubs who can boast a 100% start, Real Madrid will certainly be looking to make another statement here. Holding a remarkable rampant run against Friday’s hosts, Los Blancos will be looking to cash in on a Celta squad that are showing some recent issues. Unbeaten in each of their last 14 straight meetings across all competitions and winning their previous five trips to Balaidos by an aggregate score of 16-6, we are expecting a similar lively away victory this weekend.

Verdict: Real Madrid win

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet