Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo Prediction, Match Preview, and Betting Tips, 4 May 2025 - bettingexpert
This LaLiga showdown at the iconic Estadio Santiago Bernabeu promises excitement as Real Madrid, currently 2nd in the league with 72 points, hosts 7th-placed Celta Vigo, who have accrued 46 points. The match kicks off at 13:00 and will be officiated by Jesus Gil, known for a higher-than-average yellow card rate of 6.3 per match.
Real Madrid is eager to clinch three points to keep their title hopes alive, especially after their recent loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final. Playing at home, Real Madrid is the bookmaker’s favorite at odds of 1.36. They have shown resilience and consistency, scoring in 94% of their matches this season, and their top scorer, Kylian Mbappe, is a key player with 22 goals.
Celta Vigo has experienced a mixed run of form, highlighted by a thrilling 4-3 defeat to Barcelona, but they’ll look to capitalize on Real Madrid’s injury woes, including the likes of Daniel Carvajal and Ferland Mendy being sidelined.
Given Madrid’s impressive home record and Celta Vigo’s tendency to falter in critical moments, a recommended betting tip is for Real Madrid to win the first half.
Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo Prediction & Betting Tip
Given the context of the upcoming match and the accompanying data, our recommended betting tip is for Real Madrid to win the first half. Here’s why:
| Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Real Madrid to win the 1st half | 1.36 |
- Real Madrid has scored in 94% of their matches this season, showing strong offensive capabilities.
- Celta Vigo has a history of losing out in critical moments, indicated by their recent 4-3 loss to Barcelona.
- Real Madrid tends to score most goals in the 31-45 minute interval, making them likely to lead by halftime.
Given these insights, placing a bet on Real Madrid to win the first half seems like a solid choice.
Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo Odds
Here’s a quick look at the betting odds for the upcoming clash between Real Madrid and Celta Vigo:
| Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Real Madrid | 1.36 |
| Draw | 5.49 |
| Celta Vigo | 7.14 |
The odds indicate Real Madrid as the clear favourite, thanks to their exceptional home form and superior scoring record this season.
Celta Vigo, despite showing flashes of brilliance, especially in tight matches, are considered underdogs at 7.14.
If you’re looking for a potential upset or a high-reward bet, a draw or a Celta Vigo win could be worth considering, though it’s a long shot based on current form.
Real Madrid Team Analysis
Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | Real Madrid | 2025-04-26 | Copa del Rey | 2-2 (AET: Loss 1-0) |
| Getafe | Real Madrid | 2025-04-23 | La Liga | 0-1 (Win) |
| Real Madrid | Athletic Club | 2025-04-20 | La Liga | 1-0 (Win) |
| Real Madrid | Arsenal | 2025-04-16 | Champions League | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Deportivo Alaves | Real Madrid | 2025-04-13 | La Liga | 0-1 (Win) |
Recent Form: LWWLW
Real Madrid has been in solid form lately, securing three wins and one draw in their last five matches, although they suffered a narrow defeat in extra time to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final. Their defence has been sturdy, with three clean sheets in the last five games. On average, Real Madrid have scored 1.20 goals per game during this period, demonstrating their ability to find the net consistently.
Despite an arduous season with significant injuries, Carlo Ancelotti’s men remain La Liga title contenders, trailing FC Barcelona closely. The Santiago Bernabeu outfit is resilient, keen to capitalise on Celta Vigo’s inconsistencies.
Real Madrid Key Players
Real Madrid will rely heavily on their star performers for this crucial LaLiga clash against Celta Vigo.
Key Players:
- Kylian Mbappe: He’s been in sensational form this season, netting 22 goals and currently trailing only Robert Lewandowski in the race for the Pichichi Trophy.
- Jude Bellingham: The young English midfielder has been influential in the middle of the park, creating chances and controlling the tempo.
- Vinicius Junior: His pace and dribbling skills make him a constant threat on the left flank.
Potential Key Battles: - Mbappe vs Celta Vigo centre-backs: His speed and finishing will test the likes of Yoel Lago and Marcos Alonso.
- Bellingham vs Fran Beltran: A midfield duel that could dictate the pace of the game.
Expected lineup for Real Madrid:
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, Aurelien Tchouameni, Fran García
- Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham
- Attackers: Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior
This strong lineup will look to cement Real Madrid’s position near the top of LaLiga and keep the pressure on Barcelona.
Real Madrid Suspensions & Injuries
Real Madrid have several key players sidelined due to injuries, which could impact their performance against Celta Vigo. Here’s a detailed look at their current injury list:
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel Carvajal | Cruciate ligament injury | Early September 2025 |
| Eder Militao | Cruciate ligament injury | Late July 2025 |
| Eduardo Camavinga | Tendon injury | Mid June 2025 |
| Antonio Rüdiger | Meniscus injury | Late July 2025 |
| David Alaba | Meniscus injury | Out for season |
These absences, particularly in defense, could pose challenges for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. With both Rüdiger and Alaba out, Real Madrid will have to rely on less experienced defenders to handle Celta Vigo’s attacking threats. The absence of Carvajal and Militao adds additional pressure on the backline. Camavinga’s absence in midfield means more responsibility for players like Modric and Valverde to control the tempo of the game.
Real Madrid Tactics and Formation
Real Madrid Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Kylian Mbappe
- Attacking Trio: Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior
- Defensive Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Luka Modric
- Backline: Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, Aurelien Tchouameni, Fran García
Carlo Ancelotti is adapting to significant defensive injuries by integrating versatile players like Tchouameni into the centre-back role.
Real Madrid often finds success in the first half, where they score most of their goals between the 31-45 minute mark.
This aggressive play is backed by solid defense, evident from their three clean sheets in the last five games.
With Modric and Valverde controlling the midfield, expect a highly dynamic approach against Celta Vigo.
Celta Vigo Team Analysis
Celta Vigo Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celta Vigo | Villarreal | 2025-04-23 | LaLiga | 3-0 (Win) |
| Barcelona | Celta Vigo | 2025-04-19 | LaLiga | 4-3 (Loss) |
| Celta Vigo | Espanyol | 2025-04-12 | LaLiga | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Mallorca | Celta Vigo | 2025-04-05 | LaLiga | 1-2 (Win) |
| Celta Vigo | Las Palmas | 2025-03-31 | LaLiga | 1-1 (Draw) |
Celta Vigo’s recent form has been something of a mixed bag, encapsulated perfectly by their record of two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five outings.
They’re coming off a significant 3-0 victory over Villarreal, which showcased their attacking prowess. However, defensive lapses were evident in their 4-3 loss to Barcelona and a home defeat to Espanyol.
The side has managed to score 1.80 goals on average per game in their last five matches but only kept a single clean sheet. This makes them both exciting and unpredictable to watch.
Celta Vigo Key Players
Celta Vigo will be relying on their key players to step up against Real Madrid. Borja Iglesias, the team’s top scorer with nine goals this season, will be looking to make an impact up front. Assisting him in attack will be Alfonso Gonzalez and Fer López, both of whom have shown their prowess in previous matches.
The midfield will be anchored by Hugo Alvarez and Fran Beltran, who are crucial for both their offensive and defensive contributions. In defence, Marcos Alonso’s experience and Yoel Lago’s consistency will be pivotal in trying to contain Real Madrid’s potent attack.
Expected lineup for Celta Vigo:
- Goalkeeper: Vicente Guaita
- Defenders: Javi Rodriguez, Yoel Lago, Marcos Alonso
- Midfielders: Hugo Alvarez, Fran Beltran, Ilaix Moriba, Oscar Mingueza
- Attackers: Fer López, Alfonso Gonzalez, Borja Iglesias
One key battle to watch will be between Borja Iglesias and Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, which could be decisive in the final outcome.
Celta Vigo Suspensions & Injuries
Celta Vigo is fortunate to have no suspensions going into this match. However, they do have a couple of key injuries that could impact their performance.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Jones El-Abdellaoui | Thigh injury | Early May 2025 |
| Carl Starfelt | Hamstring injury | Early May 2025 |
These injuries might force Claudio Giráldez to tweak his lineup and tactics. The absence of Jones El-Abdellaoui and Carl Starfelt, both of whom have been central to Celta Vigo’s defensive setup, could expose vulnerabilities at the back, making it challenging to contain Real Madrid’s firepower.
Celta Vigo Tactics and Formation
Celta Vigo’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-3
- Key Forward: Borja Iglesias
- Midfield Base: Hugo Alvarez, Fran Beltran, Ilaix Moriba, Oscar Mingueza
- Defensive Setup: Javi Rodriguez, Yoel Lago, Marcos Alonso
- Goalkeeper: Vicente Guaita
Celta Vigo are likely to stick with their preferred 3-4-3 formation. With Borja Iglesias leading the attack, supported by wide attackers Fer López and Alfonso González, they aim to exploit the flanks and create scoring opportunities.
The midfield quartet, with Fran Beltran at the heart, provides both solid defense and creative outlets.
Defensively, the trio of Javi Rodriguez, Yoel Lago, and Marcos Alonso need to be vigilant against Real Madrid’s potent attack.
Notable Strategy: Celta Vigo tends to score late in matches, particularly between the 76-90 minute mark, making them a threat until the final whistle.
Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | Celta Vigo | 2025-01-16 | Copa del Rey | 2-2 (3-0 in ET) |
| Celta Vigo | Real Madrid | 2024-10-19 | LaLiga | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Real Madrid | Celta Vigo | 2024-03-10 | LaLiga | 4-0 (Win) |
| Celta Vigo | Real Madrid | 2023-08-25 | LaLiga | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Real Madrid | Celta Vigo | 2023-04-22 | LaLiga | 2-0 (Win) |
The recent encounters between Real Madrid and Celta Vigo have been largely dominated by the hosts. Real Madrid have won four of the last five matchups, only drawing in the most recent Copa del Rey encounter but eventually triumphing in extra time.
This reflects Real Madrid’s robust form and tactical superiority over Celta Vigo in recent seasons.
Odds accurate as of 02.05.2025 13:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
