MADRID: Top visits second in La Liga on Saturday as Celta Vigo host Real Madrid hoping to dish out the same punishment that saw Barcelona thrashed 4-1 in Galicia last month.
Celta seperate Madrid and Barca on goal difference with all three tied on 18 points at the top after eight games.
As well as victory over Barca, Eduardo Berizzo’s men have swept aside Sevilla and previous table toppers Villarreal in recent weeks to pose an unexpected challenge to Spanish football’s two behemoths.
Barca coach Luis Enrique, who left Celta to join the Catalans 17 months ago, hailed his former side for not only beating but outclassing the European champions and their offensive style has attracted a sell-out crowd at Balaidos this weekend.
“That the fans are excited and coming to Balaidos shows that we are doing things well,” Celta ‘keeper Sergio Alvarez told the club’s website.
“Real Madrid are one of the best teams in the world. They are very good in transitions from defence to attack, so we have to use the ball well and finish our attacks.”
On top of an opponent in a rich vein of form, Madrid will have to cope with a raft of injuries for the trip to Vigo.
Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, James Rodriguez, Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Pepe are all doubtful, whilst Dani Carvajal is definitely out.
Despite missing so many key players, Madrid still managed a creditable 0-0 draw away to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek.
“We are not at our best due to the absences, but we need to look forward,” said Madrid captain Sergio Ramos.
“We can’t conform nor make excuses. We have a big squad with players that are desperate to show what they can do.”
Jese Rodriguez and Lucas Vazquez were handed rare starts at the Parc des Princes and Rafael Benitez could be left with no other option but to field the youngsters again if Bale and Benzema don’t recover in time. “Jese and Lucas
showed they have the level to compete and help us improve as a team,” added Ramos.
Barcelona have a much easier task on paper when they host Basque minnows Eibar at the Camp Nou on Sunday.
The European champions’ own injury crisis has been eased by the return of Andres Iniesta. However, midfielder Sergi Roberto has been ruled out for 10 days with a groin strain and four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi misses out once more due to knee ligament damage.