Atlético de Madrid take on Celta Vigo after derby draw.
Celta de Vigo vs
Atlético Madrid
As Celta Vigo aim to break their losing streak against Atlético Madrid, the Sky Blues' home advantage faces a stern test from the Mattress Makers, who are eager to tighten their grip on a top-four spot in this intriguing midweek encounter at Balaídos.
Celta de Vigo
A goal from the penalty spot via Iago Aspas (25’ P.) was not enough for Celta Vigo, as they lost 3-1 against Athletic Club. Gorka Guruzeta's brace (4’, 39’) and a goal from Álvaro Djaló (80’) sealed their fate.
The Sky Blues have now dropped to 9th place with 9 points, having won and lost three games each this season (3W, 0D, 3L). Celta Vigo (WLLWL) will seek to return to winning ways in their midweek clash against Atletico Madrid.
Their recent record against the Mattress Makers has been troubling, with Celta on a six-game losing streak and only one draw in their last eight meetings (0W, 1D, 7L). Despite this, Vigo will rely on their strong home form, with all three victories this season achieved in front of their fans.
Head coach Claudio Giráldez González, who boasts a 50% win ratio with the club (16G: 8W, 2D, 6L), used a 3-4-3 formation against Athletic Club. He is expected to maintain this setup in the upcoming match, featuring Jonathan Bamba, Anastasios Douvikas, and Iago Aspas in attack.
However, as many as three players, including Javier Manquillo, are ruled out for this fixture.
Atlético Madrid
Conor Gallagher appears to be settling well into life at Atletico Madrid, having helped his side salvage a point in a 1-1 draw in the weekend’s Madrid derby against Rayo Vallecano. It was the second La Liga goal for the 24-year-old English midfielder. Before Gallagher’s goal at the 50th minute, Vallecano took the lead via Isi Palazón in the 35th minute.
‘We were missing everything in the first half. We have to push harder. Everyone has to run; you don’t win just because of the shirt,' Koke said in a post-match interview after the derby draw. Atl. Madrid remained in 4th place following the draw, their third such result since the season kicked off.
The Mattress Makers have 12 points, with three wins, three draws, and no losses, ahead of the midweek round of fixtures. They trail rivals, table-topping Barcelona with 18 points and 2nd-placed Real Madrid with 14 points, by six and two points, respectively.
With their impressive head-to-head record against Celta Vigo, this midweek trip looks like a ripe opportunity to earn three points as Diego Simeone’s side looks to close in on the duo in the early race for top places. A 5-3-2 formation with Julián Alvarez and Alexander Sørloth in attack is anticipated for this midweek clash.
