Mbappe Eyes Historic Milestone as Real Madrid Clash with Celta Vigo

Real Madrid will make their return to the Santiago Bernabéu for the first time in four weeks this Sunday evening, as they host Celta Vigo.

Following a disastrous November period for Xabi Alonso's squad that saw them lose points in three straight league fixtures, Los Blancos responded emphatically with a commanding 3–0 victory against Athletic Club on Wednesday evening. Currently, just a single point divides Barcelona and Real Madrid at the summit of the La Liga table.

The Madrid outfit will aim to build upon their impressive display at San Mamés with another strong showing before their home supporters, although they face several absences for this encounter. Trent Alexander-Arnold faces an extended spell on the sidelines due to a quadriceps problem, adding to the injury list that already includes Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy.

Eduardo Camavinga, Dean Huijsen and David Alaba remain questionable for Sunday's fixture, compelling Alonso to field an improvised defensive setup once more.

This is how Real Madrid might set up against Celta Vigo.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Celta Vigo (4-2-3-1)

GK: Thibaut Courtois—The Belgian goalkeeper delivered an outstanding performance against Athletic in midweek and will seek to maintain consecutive clean sheets for the first time in more than a month.

RB: Raúl Asencio—With no natural right-back options available, Asencio is expected to fill the emergency fullback position again. Fede Valverde could be considered, but his presence is more crucial in midfield.

CB: Éder Militão—Provided he stays fit, Militão will continue anchoring Alonso's defensive line.

CB: Antonio Rüdiger—Following his comeback from injury, Rüdiger has restored some essential solidity to Real Madrid's defense.

LB: Álvaro Carreras—After recording his maiden assist in Real Madrid colors, Carreras will again seek to combine effectively with Vinicius Jr and Mbappé in attacking areas.

DM: Federico Valverde—Following several unsuccessful trials on the right flank, the Uruguayan midfielder returns to his central role to cover for the sidelined Camavinga.

DM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—Tchouaméni will earn his 165th cap for Real Madrid in Sunday's match. The French international's expertise will be vital in disrupting Celta Vigo's swift transitions.

RW: Arda Güler—The 20-year-old earns a recall to Alonso's starting eleven after being benched against Girona. Güler has found it difficult to maintain form since returning from November's international fixtures.

AM: Jude Bellingham—The number 10 remains central to Los Blancos' offensive play, while his defensive contribution is unmatched within the squad.

LW: Vinícius Júnior—Currently enduring a 10-match scoring drought, Vinicius Junior enters this weekend's encounter eager to break his goal-scoring duck.

ST: Kylian Mbappé—Real Madrid's fortunes are closely tied to Mbappé's performances. The French striker needs just five more goals to set the record for most goals in a calendar year for Real Madrid.