Ancelotti will make some changes after the Jeddah debacle, probably one per line.
Real Madrid are back in action after their Clásico setback, where they suffered a humiliating 2-5 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah.
This time they are back at home, playing in front of their fans against Celta in the Copa del Rey round of 16. Los Blancos started their campaign in this competition with a dominant 5-0 win over Deportiva Minera in Cartagena. However, they now face a stronger opponent, a La Liga side, although Celta will be weakened by the absence of their star player, Iago Aspas.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make changes to the starting line-up, both for tactical reasons after the poor performance against Barca in Saudi Arabia and to manage the players' fitness amid a brutal schedule. Unless a miracle happens and Madrid qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League – an outcome that seems highly unlikely with just two games left in the group stage – they will not have a week off until May.
Who will play for Real Madrid against Celta Vigo?
The first change comes in goal: Andriy Lunin will start, as Thibaut Courtois hasn't even been called up for this match yet. Before their Copa debut against La Minera, Ancelotti avoided confirming whether Lunin would take over as the tournament's designated goalkeeper. Now that there is a stronger opponent and Lunin is still in goal, it seems likely that he will continue in the competition. Fran González and Mestre will be available on the bench as emergency options.
In defense, the most important change will be the inclusion of Asencio in the starting XI. The academy product came on as a substitute against Barça, with Tchouaméni taking his place. The Frenchman performed poorly and failed to win over the fans, whether playing as a central midfielder or a centre-back. Ancelotti is expected to rest him against Celta, partly to avoid any potential backlash from the crowd. Rudiger will join Asencio as the other centre-back. At right-back, Lucas Vázquez is the only viable option, as Ancelotti does not consider Lorenzo ready for a match of this magnitude. On the left, Mendy will probably make way for Fran García.
In midfield, Madrid are expected to continue with the 4-2-3-1 formation, which helped them regain momentum. Camavinga will likely start on the bench, while Ceballos steps into the starting lineup to provide more control in possession, something the team has struggled with in Jeddah. Ceballos will likely partner Valverde in the double pivot, while Bellingham operates in a more advanced midfield role.
In attack, Brahim Díaz is a strong contender to replace Rodrygo on the right wing. Up front, Mbappé will take the lead, while Vinícius, who is suspended for the next two league matches, will occupy the left flank.
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