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

Real Madrid will face off against Celta Vigo later tonight in Matchday 27 of the 2025/26 La Liga, away at Balaidos, aiming to secure a much-needed victory.

With back-to-back losses against Osasuna and Getafe in the league, Los Blancos have fallen four points behind leaders Barcelona and can no longer afford any more slip-ups.

Last time the two teams met, Celta Vigo beat Real Madrid 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu and will again pose a huge challenge playing in their own backyard.

Matters have been made worse for Alvaro Arbeloa & co. by the sheer number of absences from the squad due to injuries and suspensions.

Indeed, Real Madrid have been left without Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, Dani Ceballos, David Alaba, and Eduardo Camavinga due to injuries. In addition, Alvaro Carreras, Dean Huijsen, and Franco Mastantuono are suspended.

Raul Asencio makes a comeback after missing the last match, though, while there are call-ups for several youngsters, including a first one for Lamini Fati.

With that in mind, here’s how Real Madrid could take the field against the Galician outfit tonight at Balaidos, hoping to close the gap to Barcelona.

Defence

The defensive line has been the worst hit as far as Real Madrid are concerned heading into the game, leaving Arbeloa with major selection headache.

Antonio Rudiger is the only fully fit senior centre-back at the moment is bound to start at the heart of the backline. And, even though Raul Asencio has only returned, it is likely that he starts tonight ahead of youngsters Lamini Fati and Diego Aguado.

Meanwhile, Ferland Mendy could make a rare appearance – his first one under Arbeloa – starting at left-back in the absence of Alvaro Carreras. Trent Alexander-Arnold ought to continue on the right side of the defence ahead of captain Dani Carvajal.

Midfield

Another start for Thiago Pitarch. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Thiago Pitarch made his first-ever start for Real Madrid earlier this week against Getafe and made a positive impression during his time on the field.

With Eduardo Camavinga not being cleared, the teenager is likely to feature from kickoff once again in midfield, starting centrally, but drifting out to the left flank.

Federico Valverde will operate on the right side of the midfield bank of four, while Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni will feature more centrally for the visitors.

Someone like Manuel Angel and Cesar Palacios could be options for later on in the game if Arbeloa needs more attacking impetus.

Attack

Real Madrid have only three out-and-out forwards in the squad today – Vinicius Jr., Gonzalo Garcia, and Brahim Diaz.

Vinicius, for one, is a guaranteed starter and will need to step up and take responsibility as the team’s leading man, especially after a disappointing display against Getafe.

While Gonzalo has started alongside him in the past couple of matches, Brahim Diaz could be in line for a rare starting opportunity in attack tonight. Having barely played since his return from AFCON, the Moroccan international will be keen on making it count.