After a run of dismal defeats, Real Madrid is in a perilous position as they prepare to play Celta Vigo on Sunday in an attempt to maintain their hopes of winning La Liga.  The team’s recent humiliating losses to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and Arsenal in the Champions League have increased the pressure to concentrate on winning at home.

Antonio Rudiger, a vital defender who was suspended for six games for throwing an object at the referee and is recuperating from knee surgery, will not play for the Los Blancos against Celta Vigo.  He joins David Alaba and Ferland Mendy, who are also sidelined for the rest of the season.  The absence of long-term injured players Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao has further hampered Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive line.

In contrast to their previous season, when they faltered just once on their way to winning the title, Real Madrid is currently lying second in La Liga, four points behind leaders Barcelona. They have already lost five league games this season.  Even though there is growing doubt regarding his future with the organization, Ancelotti is still confident in his side’s ability to win the championship again.  The Italian coach underlined, “We have time to prepare for the games against Celta and Barcelona; we must continue competing until the end.”

After the game against Celta, Madrid is under pressure to keep the margin from growing as they get ready for a pivotal matchup with Barcelona at the Olympic Stadium.  Real Valladolid, a squad trying to earn points in their battle against relegation, will play Barcelona.  Madrid defeated Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey in their most recent meeting, although the game was controversial because the Galician team was not given what looked to be a clear penalty.  According to Celta striker Iago Aspas, “In football, you can never rule out anything; sometimes it seems a team might lose, but then they win.” He said he believes the title battle is still very much up in the air.

Striker Ayoze Perez, who is presently one goal behind Athletic Bilbao’s Oihan Sancet, is vying for the top scorer title in La Liga as Villarreal looks to qualify for the Champions League.  Fans can anticipate an exhilarating football afternoon with a number of intriguing games scheduled for this weekend, including Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo.