Los Blancos lost their first competitive game since April as they fell to RB Leipzig last Tuesday, and also stumbled to Girona on the weekend in LaLiga, will Celtic be the victim of fury?
For the first time in the 2022-23 season, Real Madrid did not win 2 consecutive matches. After a 2-3 defeat at RB Leipzig in the Champions League, the Royal team was held to a 1-1 draw by Girona in the 12th round of La Liga.
These 2 results slow down the progress of the White Vultures in the Champions League (not sure if the top of the table) and La Liga (only 1 point more than Barcelona). It is also possible to use the referee as an explanation for the loss of points against Girona because that is the most “visible” thing.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti denied that the players did not play at their best to avoid the risk of injury when the 2022 World Cup was approaching. However, it is hard to say that they are not affected by that.
The Italian strategist rarely showed anger at the referee. That is understandable, because it makes his plan go wrong. His Real Madrid could have entered the match against Celtic tonight with a more relaxed mood.
Ancelotti does not show an attitude to the players, at least he understands the psychology of many players at this time. Therefore, there will have to be a way to both help the squad to play with the highest determination and ensure the best results.
After the loss to RB Leipzig, Real Madrid’s task is no longer “just one more point”. Because the difference between the two teams is currently only 1 point, if the German representative wins Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Madrid draws, the defending champion will continue with the 2nd place in Group F.
It is still too early to talk about the knockout round in February next year, but it is clear that Real Madrid does not want to be in group 2 of the draw to soon encounter strong opponents.
Fortunately for Real Madrid, Shakhtar still has the opportunity to compete for tickets to the 1/8 round, so he will not hold back for RB Leipzig, while Celtic have absolutely no goals in the Madrid trip.
That’s why Ancelotti can use some reserve elements from the defense to the front line. Karim Benzema continues to be absent, while Aurelien Tchouameni’s ability to play is also uncertain. At the top, this could be an opportunity for Vincius Junior to rest, opening the door for Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio.
Celtic are still in high form in the league but in the Champions League, they have yet to win a match. At the Bernabeu, they are also looking for a draw, but that will only come if Real Madrid know the result of the match between Shakhtar and Leipzig in Poland in their favor.
But it is also possible that the anger from the result in La Liga will cause Celtic to suffer the consequences …
Prediction: Real Madrid 3-0 Celtic
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Mendy, Militao, Nacho, Vazquez; Kroos, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Hazard, Rodrygo, Asensio
Celtic possible starting lineup:
Hart; Taylor, Jenz, Carter-Vickers, Ralston; Hatate, O’Riley, Mooy; Abada, Furuhashi, Forrest
Real Madrid vs Celtic Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- In two head-to-head encounters between the two sides, Real Madrid hold the clear advantage. They have won both games.
- Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde and Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior have both scored six goals in the league for Real Madrid.
- French superstar Karim Benzema has six goal contributions in the league so far this season for Real Madrid.
- Portuguese attacker Jota has 10 goal contributions in the Scottish Premiership for Celtic this time around.
- Japanese striker Kyogo Furuhashi has eight goals in the Scottish Premiership for Celtic this season.
