Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo
The big domestic leagues start again after the international break and there is a familiar sight in Spain, as Los Blancos sit at the top of the La Liga table courtesy of goals scored. There are six teams locked on seven points, but the league is bound to spread out in the coming weeks.
Real Madrid are set to remain at or close to the summit and we expect Carlo Ancelotti’s side to cement their place among the frontrunners when Celta Vigo come to town.
This will be Madrid’s first league game at the Santiago Bernabeu in a year due to ongoing works. But it is now deemed safe and the fans are sure to give their team a heroes’ welcome.
It could be tough on the visitors who come into the game with just a single point and, at SBOTOP odds of 1.35, we strongly fancy Ancelotti’s men to win this encounter.
Talking Points
Benzema can be La Liga’s top striker
City rivals Atletico had a solid summer transfer window, bringing star striker Antoine Griezmann back on loan from Barcelona.
The La Liga 2021 betting odds put Los Rojiblancos level with Barcelona at a price of 3.60 to win the title, but Real Madrid are out in front at 2.10 despite their big summer target PSG’s Kylian Mbappe staying in Paris for the time being.
Ancelotti is quite relaxed by the situation as his main striker Karim Benzema looks as sharp and hungry as ever. And now that Lionel Messi has departed from Barcelona for PSG, Benzema is the favourite at odds of 3.70 to win the 2021/22 Golden Boot.
The Frenchman has two goals already, while strike partner Vinicius Junior has three and the young Brazilian is in the running for top scorer as fifth favourite at odds of 15.00.
Meanwhile, the return of Gareth Bale has gone better than expected. The moody Welshman has already scored and will be a great supply of chances for Benzema and Vinicius.
With seven points from three away games through wins against Alaves and Real Betis and a thrilling 3-3 draw away to Levante, Los Blancos are in a good place and there could be a further boost with midfield general Luka Modric nearing a return.
Aspas needs help at Celta Vigo
The visitors have a lethal hit man of their own. Veteran striker Iago Aspas has scored Los Celestes’ only goal of the campaign so far and a lot rests on his shoulders.
The 34-year-old has scored 104 goals in 201 games in his second stint at the club and he is fast becoming a Celta Vigo legend.
He started with Celta in 2008, only leaving for two fruitless seasons in the Premier League at Liverpool, and he has led the line ever since.
But an injury to Aspas would be a major concern to head coach Eduardo Coudet as he is light on potential reinforcements.
25-year-old striker Santi Mina is a promising talent who should be coming into his prime so this is a big season for him, while winger Nolito can stretch defences and carve out openings. But the loan signing of 32-year-old attacking midfielder Thiago Galhardo hasn’t really set the pulses racing.
Celta impressed with their eighth place finish last season but their La Liga 2021 results have not been so smart so far in this campaign. These are early days and one point from three games is no disaster, but one from four would begin to look like a worrying trend.
A home defeat to champions Atletico and then a 0-0 draw away to Osasuna, followed by a 0-1 home defeat to Athletic Bilbao have left Celta in 18th place and they will hope to climb away quickly.
While Aspas will hope to eke out some chances up front, Celta’s defence will have a severe test against Los Blancos’ talented frontline.
Right back Kevin Vazquez is close to a return while Jeison Murillo is expected to keep his place at the back.
History
Los Blancos have dominated the head-to-head games, winning 30 of the 48 meetings while Celta Vigo have managed a respectable 12 victories and six draws.
Real Madrid under Zinedine Zidane did the double over Celta last season, winning 1-3 away and 2-0 at home – in a game won at ease after Aspas retired injured just after half time.
Recent form tells us Real Madrid have won three in six and Celta two in six, while the visitors are unbeaten in four games away from home.
Betting Tip
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Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo | Real Madrid Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.12 |
| September 13, 03:00 (GMT+8) |
I fear for Celta that their unbeaten away run is about to come to a crashing end. The visitors are way out at 7.96 to win this game and at odds of 4.55 to snatch a draw.
At a price of 6.56 the most likely score line is 2-0 and that would suit Ancelotti just fine, while a bigger score could be damaging to Celta.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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