Real Madrid returns to action after the devastating disappointment in the Spanish Super Cup against Barça. This Thursday, Carlo Ancelotti and his team will face Celta Vigo in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey. Here’s everything you need to know about the match.
Cruelly defeated on Sunday night in the final of the 2025 Spanish Super Cup (5-2) by their Catalan rivals, Real Madrid won’t have time to dwell on this loss that has sparked widespread commentary. This Thursday, Carlo Ancelotti and his players will take on Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey Round of 16, scheduled for 8:30 PM GMT at the Bernabéu. For this crucial match, which will be broadcast on L’Équipe in France, Sport TV 1 in Portugal, and SCC in Saudi Arabia, the Madrid side cannot afford to make any mistakes. With the team displaying a worrying form, with several key players physically drained due to the demanding match schedule, the coaching staff is expected to make significant changes.
Real Madrid’s probable line-up against Vigo
As in the Round of 32 match against Deportiva Mineira (5-0), Madrid is expected to field a rotated team. Although this time the opponent is not a second-division side, Carlo Ancelotti is likely to start Andriy Lunin in goal, giving Thibaut Courtois a rest. Barely tested in his last Copa del Rey outing, the young Ukrainian goalkeeper is expected to play a more crucial role this time, as Celta Vigo is no easy opponent.
In defence, Ferland Mendy is likely to return to the bench, making way for Fran Garcia. Meanwhile, young Lorenzo Aguado may once again be deployed at right-back instead of Lucas Vazquez, whose performances have been criticised since Dani Carvajal’s injury. At centre-back, the new darling of the Madrid fans, Raul Asensio, will undoubtedly feature. The only uncertainty is whether he will partner with Diego Aguado, as he did against Mineira, or team up with David Alaba or Aurélien Tchouaméni, who might step in as a makeshift defender.
With concerns over Antonio Rüdiger’s fitness, who is reportedly nursing minor knee issues, Carlo Ancelotti may opt for another player alongside Asensio in central defence. In midfield, Luka Modric, Federico Valverde, and Aurélien Tchouaméni are expected to start. In attack, Vinicius Junior, who will miss the weekend’s La Liga match against Las Palmas due to suspension, is set to feature. He could be joined by Endrick, Arda Güler, or Brahim Diaz. One thing is certain: Real Madrid will present a completely different line-up this Thursday against Celta Vigo.
A high-stakes match for Ancelotti
Vital for the continuation of their Copa del Rey campaign—where a win would see them advance to the quarter-finals—the clash against Vigo is also crucial for Carlo Ancelotti’s future. Following yet another disappointing result (5-2) this season, the Italian coach finds himself under increasing pressure. Although he still enjoys the unwavering support of Florentino Pérez, who has backed him since the setbacks against major teams began in October, the 65-year-old could face dismissal if Real Madrid suffers another defeat against Celta.
Having missed out on the chance to win the 2025 Spanish Super Cup, Real Madrid cannot afford to exit the Copa del Rey so early, a trophy that remains a key objective for the season. For this Round of 16 tie, the goal is a morale-boosting win. To achieve this, Ancelotti must find the right words, the optimal tactical system, and the ideal line-up. All eyes will be on whether Real Madrid can reclaim their confidence after the match, which will be officiated by José Luis Munuera Montero.
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