An equaliser deep into injury-time denied Celta Vigo an opening-day La Liga win against Espanyol, but they only had themselves to blame after failing to hold on to a 2-0 lead.
Still, they can be forgiven for starting a little slowly after overhauling their squad in the summer as they look to build on last season’s 11th place finish.
Manager Eduardo Coudet, who had to deny reports he was prepared to quit over recruitment issues prior to the opening game, now leads his side into battle against Real Madrid, a side he’s never beaten in four attempts (L4) and who Celta last beat here in May 2014.
They may pose a problem for the reigning champions though, as all nine home H2Hs since 2014 saw both teams score (D2, L7).
Madrid will be on high alert after they conceded first against promoted side Almería before recovering to open their title defence with a 2-1 win.
They gained 19% of their points last term (16) after their opponents scored first so their fighting instincts haven’t been dulled over the summer, while manager Carlo Ancelotti also handed first starts to Antonio Rüdiger and Aurelién Tchouaméni.
He later admitted that Tchouaméni – as well as Eduardo Camavinga – struggled on the day so he might field a more experienced line-up against an established top-flight side.
As Los Blancos seek a first clean sheet in seven league away games (W4, D1, L1), reintroducing the likes of Casemiro and Luka Modrić would perhaps shore things up somewhat.
Players to watch: Summer signing Gonçalo Paciência netted Celta’s second against Espanyol and his last seven competitive strikes have come after the hour mark. Madrid defender David Alaba has already scored twice this term – his last 36 goalscoring club games all resulted in victories!
Hot stat: Celta only conceded once inside the opening 15 minutes during home league action last term.
TV / LIVE STREAMING
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MATCH INFORMATION
REFEREE:Manzano J. (Esp)
VENUE:Estadio de Balaídos (Vigo)
