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Real Madrid is set to face Celta Vigo today, January 16, 2025, in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The match is scheduled to kick off at 21:00 local time (CET). In India, fans can watch the game live at 1:30 AM IST on January 17, 2025. The match will be broadcast live on La 1 de TVE and the RTVE Play platform.
Real Madrid enters this fixture aiming to rebound from a recent defeat in El Clásico. Manager Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make several changes to the lineup. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is anticipated to start, with potential inclusions of Marco Asensio and Brahim DÃaz due to injuries and suspensions affecting the squad.
Celta Vigo, under coach Claudio Giráldez, faces challenges with key players unavailable, including captain Iago Aspas due to injury. The team has shown contrasting performances this season, being formidable at home but struggling in away games. Giráldez is likely to rely on youth players from the academy to fill the gaps left by absences.
Historically, Real Madrid has dominated this fixture, especially at home. In their last encounter on March 10, 2024, Real Madrid secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Celta Vigo in LaLiga. Goals were scored by VinÃcius Júnior and Arda Güler, with two own goals contributing to the scoreline.
In the current season, Real Madrid has been strong at the Santiago Bernabéu, maintaining an unbeaten home record. Celta Vigo, conversely, has struggled on the road, failing to secure victories in their recent away matches. This disparity suggests that Real Madrid holds a significant advantage going into today's match.
However, cup competitions often produce unexpected outcomes, and Celta Vigo will aim to capitalize on any opportunities to upset the hosts. Real Madrid will need to stay focused to avoid any surprises and advance to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey.
In summary, while Real Madrid appears to be the favorite given their home advantage and superior form, Celta Vigo's determination and the unpredictable nature of knockout football ensure that this encounter remains an exciting prospect for fans.
