Analysis
Barcelona’s morale boosting win at home to Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday simply proved that they have moved on from their recent slumps. The Catalans are not going through the kind of crisis that could see them squander a 16 or 13-point lead dramatically.
That said, for Real Madrid, dreaming about lifting this year’s Spanish La Liga trophy would be like chasing the sun. Clinching automatic UEFA Champions League qualification is a must so they must remain in the top three.
Remarkably, this task looks as a piece of cake since victory away to Celta de Vigo would put Real Madrid 13 points clear above fourth-placed Malaga. For the sake of pride, Madridistas may want their team to rank above city rivals Atletico which they will also meet in the Copa del Rey final this season. Only three points currently separate both sides from the Spanish capital.
Jose Mourinho successfully survived his most important week of the year – with two Clasico victories and a win at Old Trafford which offered Real Madrid tickets to the Spanish Cup final and the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Now, the Portuguese coach can tone it down and give his men a bit of rest although the mission remains the same: to keep up the momentum and give confidence to the fans as the prospect of ending the season with two glittering trophies is very much alive.
Sunday’s match against Celta de Vigo will just be one of many upcoming league matches meant to warm up the Real Madrid squad ahead of bigger challenges. This appears as a good manner for players like Kaka and Luka Modric to pursue their progress on the field.
Both men were substitutes against Manchester United in midweek and their impact was rather positive. Mourinho will likely include them in Real Madrid’s First XI away to Celta de Vigo – a side which they overcame in the Last 16 of the Copa del Rey thanks to an inspiring performance from Cristiano Ronaldo. Meanwhile, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane and Fabio Coentrao will not play. The trio did not even travel with the team.
Facts
• Celta de Vigo have failed to score in eight of their 26 matches. This is twice more than Real Madrid.
• Celta de Vigo have managed only three clean sheets compared to Real Madrid’s ten in La Liga.
• Celta de Vigo (25) have scored only one goal more than Real Madrid (24) have conceded in La Liga.
• Alongside Barcelona, Real Madrid have recorded the biggest away wins of La Liga this season with 5-0 results away to Valencia and Real Mallorca.
• Real Madrid have the longest current winning streak in La Liga. They are eying their fifth consecutive victory.
Prediction
After playing three pulsating games within a week, the pace of this match may be way lower. However, Jose Mourinho will do everything he can from the touchline to avoid an upset. A negative result would only hinder the positive vibes in the camp of Los Blancos.
Without the three big boys in defence, the visitors might struggle to keep a clean sheet. However, should they fall behind at some point in the match, they will have enough will to redeem at least a draw.
Result: Celta de Vigo 2-2 Real Madrid
