Asencio, Ceballos start in a 4-4-2 – How Real Madrid can line up against Celta Vigo | OneFootball

Real Madrid return to the Santiago Bernabeu with nothing less than three points on their minds as they prepare to face a dangerous Celta Vigo side in a crucial La Liga clash. 

With Barcelona stretching their lead at the top of the table after a dramatic 5-3 victory over Real Betis, the pressure is firmly on Los Blancos to respond. 

The gap now stands at four points, and any further slip could place serious strain on their title ambitions.

Xabi Alonso’s side have experienced an unusual wobble in recent weeks, drawing three consecutive league matches against Rayo Vallecano, Elche and Girona between early and late November. 

That short run of dropped points proved costly, allowing Barcelona to overtake them in the standings. 

However, Real Madrid showed clear signs of recovery last weekend with a commanding 3–0 win over Athletic Bilbao at San Mames, a result that restored confidence in the dressing room and among the fanbase.

The Bernabeu has long been a fortress for Madrid this season. They remain perfect at home in La Liga, winning all six of their league matches in front of their supporters and scoring 14 goals in the process. 

Yet, Celta Vigo arrive in the capital with a strong away record of their own, having collected 11 points from six away fixtures. 

This sets up a fascinating tactical battle where Madrid’s home dominance meets one of the league’s travelling specialists.

Defence

Federico Valverde will return to the right-back role. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)

In goal, there is no debate. Thibaut Courtois remains one of the most reliable goalkeepers in world football and continues to be an untouchable presence in the Madrid starting XI. 

The injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold forces a reshuffle at right-back, and this is where Federico Valverde once again steps into a non-preferential but trusted role. 

At centre-back, Xabi Alonso may choose to rotate carefully. Antonio Rudiger has only recently returned from injury and has already featured in two matches. 

With the schedule intensifying, Alonso may prefer to avoid unnecessary risks. That opens the door for Eder Militao and Raul Asencio to form the central defensive partnership. 

On the left, Alvaro Carreras is expected to keep his place, offering width going forward while maintaining defensive discipline.

Midfield

The midfield is where Alonso’s tactical ideas truly come to life. Aurelien Tchouameni is a guaranteed starter, providing both defensive cover and a steady platform for Madrid’s attacks. 

With Arda Guler now back in contention, the focus shifts to integrating him effectively alongside Jude Bellingham. 

The long-term plan is to ensure both players complement rather than crowd each other. Guler is expected to begin on the right side of midfield, and Bellingham on the left during defensive phases. 

However, in possession, both will drift into advanced central areas, functioning more as attacking midfielders than traditional wide players.

This tactical adjustment leaves room for one more midfielder in the XI, and Dani Ceballos is a strong candidate to reclaim his starting role. 

Attack

Mbappe and Vinicius will spearhead the attack. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

In attack, there is absolute certainty. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. will spearhead Madrid’s offensive line. 

Vinícius, after weathering difficult moments earlier in the campaign, has regained his sharpness and confidence, while Mbappé continues to deliver at an astonishingly consistent level.

The chemistry between the two has grown rapidly, with both players now understanding each other’s movement, timing and preferred spaces. 

With Barcelona in strong form and already four points clear, Real Madrid simply cannot afford another setback. 

Victory would not only keep the title race alive but also reinforce the belief that Alonso’s project remains firmly on course.