After a clear defeat in the final of the Supercopa de Espana, Real Madrid will face Celta Vigo in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey on Thursday evening.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have had a productive start to the new year, but another emphatic defeat to Clasico rivals Barcelona has opened the door to another interrogation in the Spanish capital.
The rarely amazed Italian coach was a bit irritated in the aftermath and could use another triumph in midweek before Los Blancos face Atlético Madrid in La Liga.
Madrid didn’t need to get out of first gear in the round of 32 of this competition as they beat outsiders Deportivo Minera 5-0 ten days ago.
Celta had to beat up-and-coming Real Santander 3-2 to set up Thursday’s tie. The visitors have become a far more interesting tactical unit following the sacking of Rafa Benitez and are on their way to a comfortable mid-table finish in La Liga under promising coach Claudio Giraldez.
They are Copa del Rey finalists three times, but have never won the competition.
Here is 90 minutes Guide to Thursday’s Copa del Rey clash.
Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo H2H record (last five games)
Current form (all competitions)
real Madrid | Celta Vigo |
|---|---|
Real Madrid – Mallorca 3-0 – 09/01/25 | Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Celta Vigo – 01/10/25 |
Real Madrid – Mallorca 3-0 – 09/01/25 | Racing Santander 2-3 Celta Vigo – 01/05/25 |
Deportivo Minera 0-5 Real Madrid – 06/01/25 | Celta Vigo 2-0 Real Sociedad – 12/21/24 |
Valencia – Real Madrid 1:2 – 03/01/25 | Sevilla – Celta Vigo 1-0 – 12/14/24 |
Real Madrid – Sevilla 4-2 – 12/22/24 | Celta Vigo 2-0 Mallorca – 06/12/24 |
country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | Not televised |
United States | ESPN+, ESPN app |
Canada | Not televised |
Ancelotti was made to pay for leaving his central midfielder on an island in the Supercopa de Espana final, with Madrid’s front four failing to fire, with the exception of Kylian Mbappe.
The coach will make changes on Thursday evening ahead of the La Liga clash against Las Palmas at the weekend. Mbappe could retain his place at the top but he is likely to be supported by Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz in attack. Vini Jr is available but suspended in La Liga, so starting here makes sense.
Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos are fighting for starting spots in midfield, while Eduardo Camavinga is suffering from illness and Federico Valverde needs a rest.
The hosts will still have to do without long-term absentees Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao.
Expected Real Madrid line-up against Celta Vigo (4-2-3-1): Lunin; Vazquez, Asencio, Rüdiger, Garcia; Ceballos, Modric; Guler, Diaz, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe.
Celta has a good chance of winning the European Cup this season, but there is no reason not to make this game at the Bernabeu a priority. The highly respected head coach Claudio Gonzalez should choose the strongest possible team in the Spanish capital.
The guests cannot rely on the experienced captain Iago Aspas, who is currently out due to a muscle injury. Marcos Alonso, once of Barcelona, is out with an ankle injury and will not be able to play at the weekend after being released in La Liga last weekend.
Alfon Gonzalez is out for a few weeks, but Mihailo Ristic and Javier Rodriguez are both available.
Predicted line-up of Celta Vigo vs Real Madrid (3-4-3): Villar; Rodriguez, Dominguez, Starfelt; Mingueza, Beltran, Moriba, Cervi; Duran, Bamba, Iglesias.
Madrid were terrible in the Supercopa final and Ancelotti’s tactical errors began to cause concern. The rotation was intended to freshen up the team, but they face an enterprising Celta Vigo team capable of causing an upset.
Giraldez’s visitors are a fearless bunch and they will win Thursday’s cup game against their vulnerable hosts. However, their willingness to play should open the door for Vini Jr. and Mbappe to make the jump.
This could be an unpleasant evening for Madrid, but we will support Ancelotti’s men to get back on their feet.