Celta Vigo vs Real Madrid

April 25, 2015
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Celta Vigo effectively revived their Europa League hopes with back to back wins over Rayo Vallecano and Eibar, meaning they had into the Real Madrid clash eager to further improve their league position. Los Blancos overcame numerous selection problems to pip Atletico to a place in the Champions League semis, but now need to win at Balaidos in order to keep up with leaders Barcelona.

European dream lives on

Even if they had experienced some problems after returning to Spanish La Liga, even flirting with relegation at times, Celta Vigo are slowly become a genuine top table side. It was the current Barcelona coach Luis Enrique who started the renaissance at Balaidos, but his successor Eduardo Berizzo did really well after taking over last summer. Bar a disappointing run between November and January, the Sky Blues have been quite impressive most of the time, even defeating mighty Barcelona at Camp Nou. But, it was recent triumphs over struggling Rayo Vallecano (6-1) and Eibar (1-0) that saw Celta revive their Europa League bid, with the team now some four points behind seventh placed Malaga. With Nolito and Joaquin Larrivey rediscovering his scoring form and Santi Mina bagging four against Rayo, Celta clearly have reason for optimism as they prepare for the high-profile match against Real Madrid, and no doubt the hosts will have plenty of space to exploit behind the enemy lines.

There are no fresh injury worries for Eduardo Berizzo, but Borja Oubina and Marc Planas are not yet ready to return into action.

Real finally beat Atletico

Even if many consider them to be the world’s greatest side at the moment, Real Madrid largely struggled to prove their worth in matches with arch rivals Atletico Madrid, failing to beat los Colchoneros in seven straight games after last year’s Champions League final triumph. And with the likes of Modric, Bale, Marcelo and Benzema missing, los Blancos faced another difficult task, but they eventually took advantage of Arda Turan’s sending off to score a late winner and continue the CL title defence. There is no time for celebrations though seeing as Real are still two points behind Barcelona in the La Liga standings, and with the Catalans facing local rivals Espanyol this weekend, los Blancos may have an opportunity to return to the top. If that is to happen, Real will need to defeat in-form Celta Vigo at their Balaidos, which is not going to be an easy task. It is important to note that Carlo Ancelotti’s side have lost three of last five matches on the road in La Liga, albeit when facing stronger opponents than the Sky Blues. And the important triumph over Atletico could be just what the team ahead of the Celta game.

Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema are out injured, but Marcelo returns and Sergio Ramos is a slight doubt.

Verdict

Celta Vigo have already proved they can match even the strongest sides in the league, and even if they may not be able to win the game, scoring a goal or two is a realistic objective. Real look they can win this game in spite of the serious selection problems, but this will be anything but a walk in the park.

Top pick: Away win   1.62 (5/8) @ Ladbrokes

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score   1.57 (4/7) @ bet365

Alternative pick 2: Away win + both teams to score   2.90 (19/10) @ Coral

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  1. dabang says:

    real Madrid will win over sevilla

  2. dabang says:

    real Madrid will win over celta Vigo