Analysis
If Real Madrid are going to succeed this season, it will not come easy. Defending their league crown from Barcelona’s grasp is something they almost – if not entirely – forget about. Los Blancos are four points off the 40-point mark whereas Barcelona have passed the 50-point tally in the table.
That said, the obligation to triumph in cup competitions has taken a much more serious tone for Real Madrid. To begin the year 2013, the team edged a chaotic encounter at home to Real Sociedad.
Going into Wednesday’s Spanish Copa del Rey fixture, they are two positives Mourinho can take from last weekend’s encounter: his side’s goal instinct and determination to avoid the worst. The rest – disciplinary issues and horrific defending – should be put aside if Real Madrid want to excel in the Copa del Rey.
Celta de Vigo carry an enormous threat – not because of the calibre of their squad on paper but because of their wonderful record against Real Madrid. Firstly, they have the advantage ahead of the second leg having claimed a 2-1 victory on home soil. Cristiano Ronaldo must wait to see if his late strike to reduce the deficit will really prove vital for Los Blancos.
Meanwhile, Celta de Vigo have triumphed in their last two visits to the Santiago Bernabeu. Roll back the years to 2005 and 2006 to recall this fact. In addition, their scoring rate against Real Madrid since September 2005 is considerably good with nine strikes compared to Real Madrid’s 10. Only once in their last six meetings have Celta de Vigo failed to pierce the Spanish giants’ defence.
Looking at the tightness between these two Spanish Copa del Rey contenders, the Santiago Bernabeu crowd and the public in general can expect an eventful battle. Will controversy settle in?
Facts
• Real Madrid and Celta de Vigo both commenced the year 2013 with victory.
• Real Madrid have claimed victory only once in their last four matches in all competitions.
• Celta de Vigo have lost three of their last five matches in all competitions.
• Celta de Vigo have failed to score in two of their last three league matches since defeating Real Madrid in the Spanish Copa del Rey Round of 16 first-leg.
Head-to-head – Last five meetings
January 29, 2006: Celta de Vigo 1-2 Real Madrid (La Liga)
November 5, 2006: Real Madrid 1-2 Celta de Vigo (La Liga)
April 1, 2007: Celta de Vigo 1-2 Real Madrid (La Liga)
October 20, 2012: Real Madrid 2-0 Celta de Vigo (La Liga)
December 12, 2012: Celta de Vigo 2-1 Real Madrid (Copa del Rey)
Prediction
Result: Real Madrid 4-2 Celta de Vigo
