La Liga preview and odds: Real Madrid vs Celta de Vigo

Published on: 05/03/2016

La Liga preview and odds: Real Madrid vs Celta de Vigo

March 05, 2016 16:00pm - Estadio Santiago Bernabeu

La Liga

Real Madrid appear to be out of the title race, having fallen 12 points behind leaders Barcelona. They will now try to salvage some pride by chasing down city rivals Atletico. Their visitors this weekend are Celta de Vigo, who still have all to play for as they try to secure a European qualification place.

No improvement under Zidane for Real Madrid

Since Real Madrid took the bold decision to dismiss Coach Rafa Benitez just a few months into his tenure, they have failed to make any significant improvement in the league.

When Zinedine Zidane took over the reins, Los Blancos were just two points behind Barcelona - although the Catalan team had a game in hand. Having now played the same amount of games, there is a 12-point gap between the two teams.

In their last game, the 10-time European champions broke a two-game winless streak by overcoming bottom club Levante 3-1 away from home.

Nolito return a boost for Celta

Celta de Vigo`s recent revival of form notably coincided with the return from injury of star player Nolito. With the attacking player back in the squad, the Celts have gone on a three-game unbeaten run having won two games and drawn the other.

Berizzo`s men come into this game on the back of a 0-0 draw at home to fourth-ranked Villarreal. They currently sit in sixth place on 42 points, just two points behind fifth-ranked Sevilla. However, they remain 11 points behind Villarreal who occupy the first Champions League spot.

Team news

The home side will have to make do without Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, Alvaro Arbeloa, Marcelo and Gareth Bale.

Meanwhile, Andreu Fontas will be missing for the visitors.

Recent form (League)

Real Madrid: WLDWW

Celta de Vigo: DWWLD

Betting odds and tips

Only the top two teams have won at the Bernabeu this season - however, Malaga did grab a draw back in September. Real Madrid have conceded at least one goal in eight of their last 10 home games.

Celta were enjoying a great run on the road until the New Year when they embarked on a four-game losing streak away from home. They broke that habit in their last away game when they ran out 1-0 winners at Getafe. The Sky Blues have scored at least one goal in 19 of their last 22 away games in La Liga.

Real Madrid`s home games have averaged 4.43 goals per game this season, while Celta`s away games have averaged 2.92 goals per games.

You can back Both Teams to Score at 1/2 with Bet365 and Over 2.5 goals at 2/7, also with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 05/03/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (05/03/2016 11:29:08) but are subject to change.