Meanwhile, Celta Vigo finds themselves in a precarious 17th position, just five points clear of the relegation zone.
Despite a lackluster performance against RB Leipzig in the Champions League midweek, Real Madrid managed to secure a 1-1 draw in the second leg of their last-16 tie, advancing to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 aggregate victory. In their previous league outing, they salvaged a draw against Valencia after coming from two goals down, thanks to a brace from Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid boasts an impressive home record this season, having collected 35 points from 13 matches at the Bernabeu, with 11 wins and two draws. They've conceded just seven goals on home turf throughout the campaign.
With aspirations for success in both La Liga and the Champions League, Real Madrid will be looking to maintain their momentum against Celta and Osasuna before the international break, followed by a challenging encounter against Athletic Bilbao.
Meanwhile, Celta Vigo finds themselves in a battle to avoid relegation under Rafael Benitez's management. Despite their struggles for consistency this season, they've managed to secure four points from their last two matches against Cadiz and Almeria.
Although Celta has performed decently on their travels this season, accumulating 11 points, they face a daunting task against Real Madrid, having failed to defeat them in La Liga since May 2014. In fact, Celta has suffered defeat in each of their last seven league meetings with Real Madrid.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Real Madrid continues to be without key players Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and David Alaba due to ACL injuries. While Alaba is sidelined until next season, there's hope that both Courtois and Militao could make their return by the end of April, providing a significant boost for the team during a crucial phase of the season.Apart from these long-term absentees, Real Madrid has no other injury concerns. However, they will be without Jude Bellingham due to a two-game suspension that the club couldn't overturn.
In light of these absences, head coach Ancelotti is expected to shuffle his lineup for the upcoming match against Celta Vigo. Players like Rodrygo, Luka Modric, and Brahim Diaz could be introduced, while Aurelien Tchouameni might be deployed in defense, possibly alongside Nacho.
Meanwhile, Celta Vigo will be missing Renato Tapia, Joseph Aidoo, Miguel Rodriguez, and Mihailo Ristic due to injury, while Williot Swedberg and Carlos Dotor are doubtful for the match.
On a positive note for Celta, Iago Aspas returns from suspension and is likely to feature in the starting lineup alongside Jorgen Strand Larsen in the attack.
Manager Benitez is expected to maintain the majority of the lineup that faced Almeria, with Jonathan Bamba and Oscar Mingueza likely retaining their positions on the wings.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Tchouameni, Mendy; Valverde, Modric, Kroos; Diaz, Rodrygo, Vinicius
Celta Vigo possible starting lineup:
Guaita; Manquillo, Starfelt, U Nunez, Sanchez; Mingueza, Beltran, De la Torre, Bamba; Larsen, Aspas
EXPERT PREDICTION
Real Madrid 3-0 Celta Vigo
