Real Madrid will be making significant changes to their starting lineup when they face Celta Vigo at the Bernabeu on Sunday. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has decided to make seven alterations compared to the team that narrowly defeated RB Leipzig in the Champions League last 16 second leg match.
Despite securing a 2-1 aggregate victory over Leipzig, with Vinicius scoring the crucial goal assisted by Jude Bellingham in a 1-1 draw, many observers felt that Real Madrid were not the superior team over the two legs and did not deserve to progress to the quarter-finals.
Ancelotti acknowledged the need to rest his players due to fatigue but dismissed suggestions of mental exhaustion during his pre-match press conference. He emphasized that the team played without concern and attributed their performance to tactical considerations rather than psychological factors.
With the upcoming clash against Celta Vigo being a crucial league fixture, Ancelotti has the luxury of a comfortable four-point lead at the top of La Liga, allowing him to experiment with his lineup if desired.
In the starting XI against Celta Vigo, Andriy Lunin retains his place in goal, while Fran Garcia and Lucas Vazquez come in as the full-backs, replacing Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal. They will join Nacho and Antonio Rudiger in the back four.
In midfield, Jude Bellingham's suspension and Toni Kroos' rest provide opportunities for Luka Modric and Brahim Diaz to feature, with Fede Valverde returning to replace Eduardo Camavinga. Aurelien Tchouameni retains his place in the midfield.
Up front, Rodrygo partners with Vinicius Jr., whom Ancelotti believes has faced undue criticism in his career. The lineup for Real Madrid against Celta Vigo is as follows: Lunin; Vazquez, Rudiger, Nacho, Fran García; Tchouameni, Valverde, Modric, Brahim; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr.
