Celta Vigo vs Real Madrid: Copa Del Rey 2nd leg predictions
Real Madrid have an uphill struggle against as they face Celta Vigo at the Balaídos for the second leg of the Copa Del Ray quarter finals on Wednesday.
The home team have the upper hand in the two-legged tie as they won the first leg 2-1 courtesy of the goals from Iago Aspas and Jonny. Real Madrid have it all to do in this fixture if they are to end head to the semi-finals of the competition which they won 19 times.
The Los Blancos are hit with the injury bug with stalwarts like Marcelo and Modric out and Ronaldo doubtful for the tie. Ahead of the crucial match lets see what the writers of the The Real Champs have predicted.
1. Tyler Mascarenhas: Celta Vigo 1-3 Real Madrid
There is a lot of pressure facing Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid in this match. The squad has not been up to far lately in terms of performances and productivity. Ronaldo and Benzema look out of form which stagnates the attack, which in turn make games very difficult. While the midfield is still solid, having both Modric and Marcelo out of action will be detrimental. Danilo does not look comfortable on the pitch right now as he needs to regain his confidence, so maybe Zidane may deploy a ‘3 at the back’ philosophy.
While Celta Vigo are a great team, Real Madrid is Real Madrid.
2. Alex Mcvey: Celta Vigo 0-3 Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo has this thing he does. It usually happens when the chatter from his haters gets the loudest. He will be having a poor run of games, his team will be struggling in a tournament, and people will start talking about how overrated he is, how his time is starting to come due and football is starting to pass him by. Then, BOOM! Just like that, he puts his team on his back and carries them forward against all odds to the next stage of a tournament. It happened last spring, when he scored a hat-trick against Wolfsburg at the Bernabeu to carry us through to the semifinals of the Champions League. It happened this summer, when Ronaldo, whose performances up to that point had been subpar, equalized twice against Hungary to send Portugal through to the round of 16. I don’t know why, but I have this weird feeling Ronaldo is getting ready to do it again.
I predict a Madrid win Ronaldo scoring a hattrick.
Must Read: Marcelo and Modric injury update
3. Ben Sundock: Celta Vigo 0-2 Real Madrid
This is THE defining moment of the season for Zinedine Zidane and his players. Everything is easier when your team is winning games and sitting on top of the league table and that is the luxury Zidane has been in since he became the manager just over a year ago. 40 games and almost a full year without a loss is remarkable and unheard of. And while everyone was happy and pleased with the way the team has been playing it is adversity that defines a team. This is that moment for Los Blancos. Riddled with injury and losers at home to Celta a week ago 2-1, this Madrid is not at their compliment of players due to the astounding amount of injuries suffered in late 2016 and early now in 2017. But that is no excuse. And I don’t believe that the significant amount of players missing will cause the kings of Europe much problem as this team with its young players and rotational players is better than most teams in the world still.
Real Madrid will win this and advance to the next round and be back on pace to complete the treble this season.
4. Ayushman Basu: Celta Vigo 2-1 Real Madrid
I will play devil’s advocate here. Of course on paper Real Madrid even without some members of their first team are a considerable bunch to deal with. But, somehow I feel that Celta Vigo may go for a defensive and counter-attacking play. They will nick one goal and just put 11 behind the ball and survive waves of Real Madrid attacks. Los Blancos are without many of their vital cogs which makes Real Madrid a well oiled machine. Without them, they might be a bit rusted which can be a costly factor in such a crucial tie.
Some may call me delusional, but I think Celta Vigo do have a decent chance of making it through to the semi-finals.
5. Will Richardson: Celta Vigo 2-3 Real Madrid
I think this game will be one of our toughest mental tests of the season even though it isn’t against the strongest opponent. Madrid are lacking both of the starting full backs who are vital to our attack as well as the midfield maestro Luka Modric. Varane also didnt make the squad for this match for unknown reasons. This is the most depleted we have ever been since I started following the club, it we be extremely interesting to see how Zidane sets his team up with all the key components out. One key to this match will be the form of Ronaldo and Benzema. If they play like they usually do, we’ll go to the semi’s, if they play like they did this weekend, missing easy chances, we can say goodbye to the Copa. I think it will be a high scoring match since both teams aren’t that strong in defense and Madrid have to go for it being a goal down.
I am going for a Madrid win with Ronaldo bagging a brace and Benzema getting back on the scoresheet as well, Iago Aspas and Daniel wass will be the scorers for Celta.