Liga Preview: Celta Vigo v Real Madrid
Real Madrid could take over as league leaders for the first time this season if they can pick up three points against Celta Vigo in Balaidos.
Real Madrid could take over as league leaders for the first time this season if they can pick up three points against Celta Vigo in Balaidos.
The reigning European champions have won their last five league outings and have only lost once this season overall back in mid-October.
The superb run of form has seen them move to within three points of Real Sociedad at the top and they will move into first place if the Basque Country side-slip up at Valencia.
But Celta will be a tough proposition and will be keen to exploit the weaknesses in Madrid's sometimes suspect defence.
In their last away game, Vicente Del Bosque's side fought back from two goals down to beat Malaga, but had to rely on a last minute penalty to take maximum points.
The Balaidos is also not a happy hunting ground for Madrid as they have only scored two goals there in the last five visits and have conceded 15.
In the 1998-99 campaign, Celta dished out a crushing 5-1 defeat and then two years ago spanked the Merengues 3-0 and will certainly be confident of causing an upset.
The Vigo-based outfit will be out to put last weekend's poor display in the Galician derby against Deportivo that saw them pushed out of the Champions League places by their local rivals.
Miguel Angel Lotina's side have made their home a very difficult place for team's to take points from and have lost only once there, an embarrassing 1-0 defeat by Rayo in October.
But the absence of their inspirational captain Alexander Mostovoi will again be a huge blow and could see Madrid just edge this encounter.
FORM GUIDE
Celta Vigo: Last Six Matches: WWWLWL
Vigo have been shunted down to fifth place after two heavy away defeats in their last three outings. Both their visits to Racing Santander and Deportivo ended in 3-0 beatings, but they have had more luck at home. A 3-1 victory over Villarreal followed a 2-1 win over Alaves as they kept up their impressive record on their own turf.
Real Madrid: Last Six Matches: DWWWWD
Real Madrid have hit a rich vein of form as they move towards the summit of the Spanish first division. As well proving that they have the spirit to come from behind to win important matches, they are capable of scoring goals from anywhere. Despite investing in World Cup winning Brazilian, Ronaldo, they have not had to rely on him to find the net, as their midfielders are encouraged to move forward in search of goals.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Celta Vigo: Miguel Angel Lotina is set to name a back four of Juan Velasco, Fernando Caceres, Sergio Fernandez and Sylvinho for the first time this season. Juanfran will slot into the left of midfield, allowing Gustavo Lopez to move across to the right-hand side in place of the injured Jesuli. Alexander Mostovoi and Sebastian Mendez are both still out with knocks and Magnolo Berizzo is suspended.
Real Madrid: Francisco Pavon will start in the centre of defence alongside Ivan Helguera in the absence of the suspended Fernando Hierro. Santiago Solari will remain in Madrid to continue negotiations with Inter over his proposed move to Serie A. Vicente Del Bosque will name a similar side to that which beat Valencia 4-1 last weekend after resting almost every first-choice player for the Copa del Rey visit to Terrassa in midweek.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Celta: (4-4-2) Cavallero, Velasco, Cáceres, Sergio, Sylvinho, Luccin, José Ignacio, G. López, Edu, Juanfran, Catanha
Real Madrid: (4-4-2) Casillas, Salgado, Pavón, Helguera, Roberto Carlos, Makelele, Flavio, Figo, Raúl, Zidane, Ronaldo
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Edu (Celta Vigo): The Brazilian midfielder is the unsung hero in the Celta side. His attacking runs and eye for the killer pass has seen him become a regular in the starting line-up this term. But it is also his instinct for goal that makes him such an asset as he evades opposition defenders with his runs from deep.
Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid): Felt aggrieved that he did not finally pick up the Balon D'Or after winning the World Cup, Champions League, Intercontinental Cup and the European Super Cup. Thoroughly deserves to be recognised as the best left-sided defender in the world. Will not need the temptation of going top to drive him on, as he is a natural winner anyway.