Atletico Madrid vs. Celta Vigo | La Liga | Pre Match

Atletico Madrid will be bidding to return to winning ways in La Liga when they welcome Celta Vigo to Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday evening.

Diego Simeone's side are second in the La Liga table, only one point behind division leaders Real Madrid following last weekend's 1-1 draw in the Madrid derby, while Celta occupy 12th, and they will enter this match off the back of a 3-2 success over Real Betis. The result against Real Betis has provided a much-needed confidence boost for Celta, who have been inconsistent this season. Atletico, on the other hand, will be desperate to secure three points and keep pace with Real Madrid in what is shaping up to be one of the closest title races in recent years.

Atletico took the lead against Real Madrid in the Madrid derby at Bernabeu last weekend, with Julian Alvarez finding the back of the net from the penalty spot, but Kylian Mbappe levelled the scores in the early stages of the second period. The match was a testament to Atletico's solid defensive structure and disciplined approach, but they were unable to hold onto their advantage against a relentless Real Madrid attack. The result, while disappointing, keeps them within touching distance of the league leaders and reinforces their credentials as serious contenders for the title.

Simeone's side are second in the La Liga table, one point behind the leaders Real Madrid and one clear of third-placed Barcelona, with a fascinating title race developing in Spain's top flight. Atletico have managed 14 wins, seven draws, and just two defeats from their 23 league matches this season, showcasing their consistency and ability to grind out results. With the best defensive record in the league, having conceded only 15 goals, they remain one of the toughest teams to break down. Their tactical discipline and defensive solidity have been the backbone of their success, and these qualities will be crucial in the final stretch of the campaign.

The Red and Whites have the best home record in Spain's top flight this season, picking up 30 points from 12 matches, remaining unbeaten in the process, and these are the type of games that they need to win in order to be serious title contenders in the final straight. Their performances at Wanda Metropolitano have been dominant, with the team showcasing an impressive balance between attacking flair and defensive resilience. This formidable home form gives them a significant advantage heading into the match against Celta Vigo, a team that has historically struggled against Atletico in recent years.

Atletico are on a seven-game winning run against Celta in Spain's top flight, including a 1-0 victory in Vigo earlier this season, while they have not been beaten by the Sky Blues in the league since September 2018. These statistics underline the dominance that Atletico have enjoyed over Celta in recent years, and they will be eager to extend this impressive run. The psychological advantage of such a record cannot be underestimated, as it often plays a crucial role in shaping the confidence and mindset of both teams heading into the match.

Not since June 2007 have Celta beaten Atletico away from home in La Liga, which is an indication of the size of their task this weekend, but Claudio Giraldez's side will enter the match off the back of a morale-boosting win. The dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Real Betis showcased their attacking capabilities and fighting spirit, with Williot Swedberg scoring the winner in the 87th minute. Such a win could serve as a turning point for Celta, giving them the belief that they can compete against the top teams in the division.

Indeed, the Sky Blues recorded a 3-2 home success over Real Betis last time out, with the hosts actually coming from two goals behind to triumph, with their winner coming in the 87th minute through Williot Swedberg. This remarkable comeback highlighted their ability to respond under pressure and the depth of their attacking options. However, their defensive vulnerabilities remain a significant concern, as they have conceded 37 goals in the league, making them one of the worst defensive teams in the competition. If they are to stand any chance against Atletico, they must tighten up at the back and find a way to neutralize the home side’s attacking threats.

Celta have a record of eight wins, four draws, and 11 defeats from their 23 league matches this season, which has left them in 12th spot in the division on 28 points, only three points behind seventh-placed Real Sociedad. Their season has been defined by inconsistency, with impressive victories often followed by frustrating defeats. Their attacking unit has been effective, netting 34 goals, but their leaky defense has cost them crucial points. To make a push for European qualification, they will need to find a way to balance their offensive and defensive play more effectively.

Giraldez's team have been an entertaining watch in La Liga this term, scoring 34 goals but conceding 37, which is actually the joint-third worst defensive record in Spain's top flight this season. While their attacking players have delivered exciting performances, their defensive frailties have prevented them from climbing higher up the table. Against a team like Atletico, who are clinical in taking advantage of defensive lapses, Celta will need to be extra cautious and disciplined at the back.

Celta certainly have the attacking players to cause Atletico problems on Saturday evening, but the hosts must keep winning to stay in the title race, and there is no question that Simeone's side will enter the match as the heavy favourites. Atletico’s superior squad depth, home advantage, and defensive stability make them the clear favorites for this encounter. However, Celta have proven that they are capable of springing surprises, and their attacking prowess means they cannot be taken lightly.

Atletico's squad is in excellent shape at this moment in time, with no injuries being reported, while Robin Le Normand will be back in the squad after missing the Madrid derby last weekend through suspension. His return will add further depth to Atletico’s defensive options, but given the team’s solid display against Real Madrid, Simeone may opt to stick with the same lineup that performed admirably in the derby.

Le Normand may find himself on the bench, with head coach Simeone potentially selecting the same XI from the Madrid derby, meaning that Nahuel Molina and Alexander Sorloth are again expected to be kept in reserve. Simeone’s tactical approach often prioritizes stability and continuity, so it is likely that he will rely on his trusted starters to get the job done against Celta.

Conor Gallagher was left out of the XI last weekend and also did not feature as a substitute, and it is likely that Samuel Lino will retain his spot down the left for the Red and Whites on Saturday. Lino’s ability to provide width, stretch the opposition defense, and contribute both defensively and offensively makes him an integral part of Atletico’s setup.

As for Celta, Carl Starfelt and Ilaix Moriba will be back in the squad after serving suspensions, but Miguel Gutierrez is out with a groin issue, while Franco Cervi and Unai Nunez are major doubts for the visitors. These absences could weaken Celta’s defensive setup, making their already vulnerable backline even more susceptible to Atletico’s attacking threats.

Swedberg was excellent off the bench against Real Betis last time out, and it is highly likely that he will now feature in the XI. Iago Aspas is also available after a spell on the sidelines, and it is possible that he could also be introduced into the side, with Giraldez set to make changes from the side that took to the field for the first whistle against Real Betis. Aspas’ return provides a significant boost to Celta’s attack, as his experience and goal-scoring ability could be instrumental in breaking down Atletico’s resolute defense.