Real Madrid clings to LaLiga and returns to domestic competition this Sunday with the only option of winning to stay alive in the title race before facing the leader, Barça, in El Clásico next Sunday, May 11, at Montjuic. They will seek victory at the Santiago Bernabéu against Celta de Vigo, with whom they had a controversial match this season in the Copa del Rey.
Refereeing controversy was the main talking point in that match, with Celta complaining bitterly in the media. The Whites saw Celta come back from 2-0 down in less than 10 minutes, but in extra time, Endrick and Valverde gave Madrid the quarter-final spot and avoided a crisis. Real Madrid’s victory came from a penalty not given for a foul on Lunin with the score at 0-0.
Real Madrid are coming off a Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona after a poor start to the match, only to react in the second half with goals from Tchouaméni and Mbappé. However, Ferran Torres equalized and forced extra time, where Jules Koundé emerged as the hero with a stunning goal to give FC Barcelona the title.
With no time for regrets, it’s time to roll up their sleeves and give 100% in LaLiga, where the four points separating them from Barça leave no room for error. The Whites, who did their job in their last game before the final, beating Getafe at the Coliseum, are not in control of their own destiny. A solitary goal from the impressive Arda Güler and several fine saves from Courtois kept Real Madrid alive in the LaLiga title race, with Barça still four points ahead.
A plague of injuries
The Real Madrid infirmary is overflowing. Beyond minor scares this week for Mbappé, Vinicius, and Bellingham, who were sidelined in some of the sessions but are not in danger of missing Sunday’s match at the Santiago Bernabéu, the long-term absences of Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao remain. They were joined this week by Rüdiger, Alaba, and Mendy.
The former could no longer play after months of playing in pain and has undergone surgery that will keep him out of the remaining league games, but we will have to see how he progresses and how he is for the Club World Cup. Alaba, meanwhile, has suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee, which will keep him out for 6-8 weeks. The club is confident that he will be fit for the Club World Cup. Finally, Mendy has suffered a tear to the proximal tendon of the rectus femoris muscle in his right quadriceps. This injury is expected to keep him out for between 10 and 12 weeks. He will miss the Club World Cup.
In addition to the injuries, Ancelotti also has three players on yellow cards. Lucas Vázquez, Ceballos, and Tchouaméni could miss the La Liga match against Barcelona if they receive a yellow card.
Possible Real Madrid XI
Goalkeeper: Courtois
Defenders: Fran García, Tchouaméni, Asencio, Lucas Vázquez
Midfielders: Modric, Ceballos, Bellingham
Forwards: Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinicius
Giráldez with two important absences
Celta arrive at the Santiago Bernabéu with fewer setbacks than Real Madrid. Claudio Giráldez will be without Carl Starfelt, who has suffered a torn proximal femoral tendon in his thigh. He will also be without Jones El-Abdellaoui due to a low-grade myofascial tear in his rectus femoris.
Possible Celta XI
Goalkeeper: Guaita
Defenders: Lago, Javi Rodríguez, Marcos Alonso
Midfielders: Carreira, Beltrán, Moriba, Mingueza
Forwards: Fer López, Borja Iglesias, Alfon