Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Copa del Rey match.
On Sunday, Real Madrid were comprehensively defeated by Barcelona for the second time this season (2:5), leading to expectations of an immediate response from the Madrid side. Celta Vigo travel to the Bernabéu without a full squad, as several key players are unavailable.
Real Madrid
Before their loss in the Spanish Super Cup final, Real Madrid secured seven wins in eight matches since 7 December, scoring at least two goals each time. Kylian Mbappé impressed against Barcelona, netting an early goal and earning a numerical advantage for Real Madrid following Wojciech Szczęsny's dismissal. In La Liga home matches, they have scored 24 goals (the best record) with 22.52 xG, with only two title race rivals surpassing them in creativity.
Celta Vigo
Celta Vigo barely advanced past their previous Copa del Rey round, almost being ousted by Racing Santander from the Segunda División (3:2). They remain without six injured players, notably losing captain Iago Aspas to a calf injury. In away games in La Liga, Celta Vigo outfit have conceded nearly eight more goals than expected, with 21 goals against from 13.18 xGA.
Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo Prediction
Over the past four years, Real Madrid have defeated Celta Vigo at the Bernabéu on four consecutive occasions, each time winning by a margin of 2+ goals. The hosts are unlikely to give Celta Vigo a chance.
