Real Madrid put on notice by confident Celta Vigo star – ‘Mbappe is not unstoppable’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid return to action at the Santiago Bernabeu with maximum pressure on their shoulders as they look to cut down Barcelona’s lead at the top of the La Liga table. 

Their opponents, Celta Vigo, arrive in the Spanish capital as clear underdogs, but there is no shortage of belief inside their dressing room. 

That confidence has been voiced most strongly by Carl Starfelt, the Swedish centre-back, who has issued a confident message ahead of the clash.

Speaking in an interview with AS, the 30-year-old defender reflected on Celta’s previous visit to the Bernabeu and the controversial nature of that Copa del Rey encounter. 

Looking back at the game and the belief it created within the squad, he said,

“That day, we showed that we can stand up to these kinds of teams away from home. 

“We managed to force extra time after going 2-0 down and, despite being knocked out, what happened gave us the confidence to believe that we can get something more out of these games.”

On Real Madrid’s pressure

With Real Madrid also preparing to face Manchester City just 72 hours later, Starfelt was asked whether the demanding European schedule could work in Celta’s favour. 

While he refused to speculate too much about Madrid’s priorities, he made it clear that his side is preparing for the toughest possible version of Los Blancos. 

“I don’t know if that will influence them. We expect to face a very strong opponent. They are in the fight for the title and really need the three points. 

Carl Starfelt is very confident ahead of Real Madrid clash. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“Regardless of whether it’s a good time or not, we go with the humility of visiting a great team, but also with the confidence that, if we do things right, we can always get something positive out of it, whether it’s against Real Madrid or Barcelona.”

Mbappe is not unstoppable

One of the main threats Celta will have to deal with is Kylian Mbappe, who is currently enjoying a sensational run of form. 

However, Starfelt was quick to reject the idea that any player is unbeatable, even one of the biggest stars in world football. 

When asked directly about the French forward’s current level, the defender responded with calm confidence,

“No. It’s true that he’s in great form and it will be a difficult task, but no player is unstoppable. It will be fun to face one of the world’s greatest players.”

How to contain Real Madrid?

Starfelt was also questioned on the tactical approach needed to slow down a team like Real Madrid, whose pace, creativity and movement in attack make them deadly both in open space and in tight areas. 

He stressed that there cannot be a single defensive plan when dealing with Xabi Alonso’s side. 

“You have to know how to defend deep because they have a lot of players who are very fast and dangerous when they find space to run into. 

“But we are also a team that likes to play the ball, and we’re not going to sit back and wait for them all the time. 

“We need to play our best football,” he explained.