Real Madrid will strive for consecutive victories in Spain’s premier division when they resume their domestic quest with a showdown against Celta at the Municipal Stadium on Saturday evening. Real Madrid presently occupy second place in the La Liga standings, boasting 21 points from their inaugural nine matches of the campaign, whereas Celta sit ninth, having amassed 13 points from nine games.

Celta have been an enticing watch in La Liga this season, flaunting a record of four triumphs, one stalemate, and four defeats from nine matches to accumulate 13 points, positioning them ninth in the division ahead of their return to action. The Azure Squad has scored 16 times in the league this term – only Barcelona (28), Real Madrid (19), and Villarreal(17) have more – but they have also conceded 15, which is the joint-third worst defensive record in the division.Rafael Benitez’s side entered the October international break on the heels of a 1-0 triumph over Canary Islanders, with Striker Garcia netting the sole goal of the contest in the 28th minute to secure all three points. Celta actually possess the third-best home record in La Liga this season, garnering 10 points from their five matches, and they will be welcoming a Real Madrid with only one victory to show from their four league fixtures on their travels in the opening weeks of the 2024-25 campaign.

Celta have succumbed to defeat in each of their last eight league encounters against Real Madrid , though, with their last top-flight victory over Los Blancos coming over a decade ago, which is an indication of the magnitude of their task in Saturday’s contest. Real Madrid have not been at their best in the early stages of the 2024-25 campaign, but they remain second in the La Liga table, only three points adrift of leaders Catalans ahead of El Clasico next weekend.Carlo Ancelotti’s side emerged 2-0 victors over Yellow Submarines before the international break, with that success following a 1-1 stalemate against Madrid Rivals in the Madrid derby and a 1-0 defeat to Lille in the Champions League. Real l Madrid have a pivotal end to the month, as they will host Borussia Dortmund in Europe mid-week before entertaining Barcelona in the league next weekend.Real Madrid have won their last three matches against Celta without conceding a goal, but, as mentioned, the champions have only been victorious in one of their four away league games this term, sharing spoils with Mallorca, Las Palmas, and Atletico. There has been speculation that Mbappe’s arrival has disrupted the balance of the side, but the Frenchman has managed five goals in eight league appearances this term, while Winger Junior and Forward Rodrygo have three each in La Liga.

Celta will be devoid of the services of two players through suspension this weekend, with Aspas, who has scored four times in the league this season, absent alongside Midfielder Moriba. Both Aspas and Moriba received marching orders against Las Palmas last time out, and they are joined on the sidelines by Defender Jailson and Midfielder De la Torre, while Forward Bamba will require assessment.Starfelt should recover from a knock to continue in the heart of the defense, though, and the absences of Aspas and Moriba could pave the way for Forward Duran and Winger Cervi to feature in the starting XI. As for Real Madrid, Goalkeeper Courtois remains doubtful due to a hip issue, meaning that Lunin could continue between the posts, while Full-back Carvajal is out for the remainder of the season with a severe knee injury.Real Madrid are expected to receive a double injury boost, though, with Defender Militao and Winger Vinicius poised to be available after sustaining issues against Yellow Submarines, while Midfielder Ceballos returned to the bench against the Yellow Submarine. Attacker Diaz and Defender Alaba remain unavailable for selection, but Real Madrid have not reported any fresh concerns over the international break, with Mbappe and Midfielder Bellingham also expected to be in the side, while Carvajal’s absence will open the door for Full-back Vazquez to enjoy an extended run in the side at right-back.

Real Madrid have struggled to gain momentum on their travels this season, and Celts pose a significant threat in the final third of the field. Aspas’s absence is a setback for the Azure Squad, though, and we are backing Ancelotti’s side to secure a much-needed three points.It’s a must watch match!

Best Tip: Real Madrid win or draw
Correct score: 0:2