This week's matchup between Real Madrid and Celta Vigo may prove to be harder than usual for Los Blancos. With the absence of Luka Modric and Sami Khedira, the team led by Carlo Ancelotti will face a squad that, despite arriving to this match in not such a great shape, was able to defeat Barcelona 1-0 at Camp Nou. This is the challenge Real Madrid will have to take on if they want to establish a new consecutive win record considering every competition.
Real Madrid's season so far has been almost dreamy. With their last loss against Atletico Madrid almost three months ago, Los Blancos will try to win their 18th consecutive game in every competition, which would match the record set by Barcelona in the 2005-2006 season, with Frank Rijkaard at the helm.
For this match, Carlo Ancelotti will not be able to start Isco Alarcón, Sami Khedira and Luka Modric. Isco enjoyed plenty of playing time after his superb performance during El Clasico, but he received a red card in last week's match against Malaga. Khedira had recently returned from a long term injury, but he endured a hard knock on his head, which will prevent him from any activity. Finally, Modric injured his left thigh while playing for his National team, and he'll be out until the end of 2014. As always, Cristiano Ronaldo will carry the offensive weight for Ancelotti's eleven, trying to extend his lead in the goalscoring department.
For Celta, this match against the leaders may be a complicated proposition. Having won one point out of their last nine, Vigo's team must find the will to take on Los Blancos as they did against Barcelona. Eduardo Berizzo's team will try to make the most out of the chances created by Nolito, who still is living the dream of having been called up by Vicente del Bosque. Helping the Spanish playmaker will be Joaquin Larrivey and Fabian Orellana, who overcame an injury to his collarbone.
Celta were able to pull a stunner at Camp Nou, maybe on Saturday they will deny Real Madrid the chance of reaching a new milestone.
Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo team sheets
Real Madrid's lineup: Casillas, Pepe, Ramos, Ronaldo, Kroos, Benzema, James, Bale, Carvajal, Marcelo, Illarra.
Celta Vigo's lineup: Sergio, H. Mallo, Cabral, Fontás, Jonny, Radoja, P. Hernández, Krohn-Dehli, Orellana, Nolito, Larrivey.
Real Madrid's subs: Navas, Varane, Coentrao, Chicharito, Arbeloa, Nacho, Medrán.
Celta Vigo's subs: (Check back soon!)
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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