Wounded Real Madrid are heading into the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final tie against Celta Vigo eager to make an instant response after seeing their impressive 40-match unbeaten run come to an end at the weekend.

History Written

Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid have managed to broke the all-time Spanish record by notching 40 games in all competitions without a defeat, breaking the record previously held by Barcelona by one game. Unfortunately for Los Blancos, they were unable to extend the fantastic run as they suffered a 2-1 La Liga defeat to Sevilla at the weekend. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring from the penalty kick but Sergio Ramos’ own goal and a late winner from newcomer Stevan Jovetic made sure Jorge Sampaoli’s snatch full three points and frustrate Zidane’s men to a disappointing defeat. Real Madrid cannot allow themselves a drop of guard however as Wednesday brings fresh challenge in the Cup competition Real Madrid are keen to go as far as possible. Having successfully dispatched Sevilla in the previous round, Real Madrid are in for another matchup with an inform side and Zidane is well aware there is another stern test ahead of his team.

Gareth Bale is still long way off from a return, whereas Pepe, James Rodriguez, Isco and Fabio Conetrao are all ruled out of the midweek clash as well.

In-Form Celta

Cdelta Vigo have successfully bounced back from two successive La Liga defeats earlier in December 2016, having notched up five straight wins in all competitions. Eduardo Berizzo’s men have gained plenty of confidence and will travel to Santiago Bernabeu feeling optimistic regarding their chances against the more prominent number. The Galician side are coming off from an important victory over Alaves in La Liga round 18 which allowed them to remain in the running for European spots. Celta are sitting eighth in La Liga table, only two points adrift of the UEFA Europa League places, but will as equally eager to record great results in the Copa del Rey. The Galicians have dispatched Valencia in the previous round of competition having recorded an aggregate 6-2 win against the struggling La Liga side. Their job will be greatly harder this time around as Real Madrid pose a big challenge for in-form Berizzo’s men.

Claudio Beauvue is still nurturing his Achilles tendon, which will keep him out of action for another few months, whereas Pablo Hernandez and Fabian Orellana are also ruled out for the forthcoming clash.

Verdict

Real Madrid are seen as clear-cut favourites in the matchup against Celta Vigo, but you need to be cautious against the in-form Celta Vigo who will know how to sting the Spanish heavyweights. Los Blancos will need to adopt a careful approach but there is no denying that they are much closer to victory than their rivals.

Top pick: Real Madrid/Real Madrid   1.67 (4/6) @Coral

Alternative pick 1: Real Madrid to win to Nil   2.10 (11/10) @BetVictor

Alternative pick 2: Both teams to score – No   1.91 (10/11) @Bet365