Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo Prediction & Betting Tips

Real Madrid host Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu hoping to pick up three points to strengthen their position at the top of the table.

Date: 10/03/24

Kick-off time: 17:30

Venue: Santiago Bernabeu

Celta Vigo have the opportunity to cause a setback in Real Madrid’s title hopes, whilst also climbing the table themselves. They currently sit in 17th, just five points above Cadiz in 18th. Three points would give them some much-needed breathing room, but a defeat would put them in an even more precarious position.

The hosts, in contrast, are comfortably occupying first place. Despite their draw against Valencia at the weekend, they are still seven points clear of second place Girona. A win against Celta would solidify their place at the summit and put them well on their way to another league title. Any dropped points, however, could open the door for both Girona and Barcelona to put some pressure on them.

With just 18 goals conceded, Madrid have by far the best defence in the league. Vigo have scored nine in their last five, but may struggle to continue that scoring run this weekend. Jorgen Strand Larsen poses the biggest threat to the Real backline, as he will hope to add to his tally of nine goals this season. Whilst they have found the back of the net in recent games, the visitors have been unable to keep the ball out, conceding at least two goals in three of the last four. Expect Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo to get some joy.

Carlo Ancelotti’s team have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning seven straight in the league. Celta Vigo have not taken any points off their opponents since 2020, when they drew 2-2 at the Bernabeu. Since then it has been all Madrid, who have conceded just five goals in this period. The biggest victory came in 2022, when they won 4-1 away from home. Karim Benzema was amongst the goalscorers that day. The reverse fixture earlier this season was a lot tighter, with Los Blancos coming away with a 1-0 win. Bellingham scored a late winner.

Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham recently returned from an ankle injury, but was sent off against Valencia, so he will miss this game through suspension. Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao are expected to return this season, though this may not be until next month.

Celta Vigo

Miguel Rodriguez may be available for selection after a foot injury, whilst Renato Tapia is likely to miss out.

Real Madrid

In their last six games, Real Madrid have won three and drawn three. Their latest outing saw them come back from 2-0 down to salvage a draw at Valencia. Vinicius Jr scored a brace after the hosts took an early lead. The game was surrounded in controversy, however, as Jude Bellingham thought he had scored at the death, but the referee had already blown the whistle, much to Madrid’s fury. The Englishman got himself sent off as a result. They were not able to continue the winning momentum they had picked up in a 1-0 win over Sevilla. Real dominated, but could not find a breakthrough until the 81st minute, as Luka Modric scored the winner.

It was a good response to disappointingly dropping points at lowly Rayo Vallecano. Joselu put them ahead very early, but they were pegged back as Raul de Tomas converted from the spot. A return to European action preceded this, with RB Leipzig the opponents. They beat them 1-0 in the first leg thanks to a goal from Brahim Diaz. They managed to draw 1-1 at home with Leipzig to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League via a 2-1 aggregate scoreline.

Madrid were able to pull away from their title challengers Girona with a 4-0 victory over them. Vinicius Jr put them in front, whilst Jude Bellingham scored a brace. Rodrygo also found the back of the net.

Celta Vigo

In their last five games, Celta Vigo have won two, lost two and drawn one. As they battle relegation, Celta have picked up some crucial results in recent weeks. This stretch of games began with a 3-0 win away at mid-table Osasuna. Jorgen Strand Larsen and Luca de la Torre scored twice in as many minutes to give their side a comfortable lead. Anastasios Douvikas added a third late on. The hosts actually dominated with 70% possession, but could only muster one shot on target.

They then faced a setback as they were defeated 3-2 by Getafe. In what was an even game, Getafe scored two late first-half goals to go into the break with an advantage. Celta Vigo managed to peg them back late on through Larsen and Tadeo Allende. However, their hard work was undone, as they conceded an 89th-minute winner to Jaime Mata. Another tricky test against Barcelona followed, but they were again narrowly beaten, this time 2-1. It came thanks to a dramatic 97th minute penalty which was converted by Robert Lewandowski, who had earlier opened the scoring before an Iago Aspas equaliser. They conceded another goal deep into stoppage time the week after in a 2-2 draw with Cadiz. In this game, they threw away a two-goal lead to drop points to a team they are fighting with in the standings.

Almeria were the most recent opponents for Celta, and they went home with nothing as Oscar Mingueza scored the decisive goal for the home side. The visitors played half of the second period with ten men.

Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways following dropped points at Valencia, and we expect them to do so. Celta Vigo have been in inconsistent form of late, and they may struggle away from home – Real Madrid 2-0 Celta Vigo

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Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo will be available to watch on Viaplay Sports 2.

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