:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65035852/902255454.jpg.0.jpg)
Real Madrid visit Celta Vigo in the first week of the 2019-2020 La Liga season. It’s been a long summer for Los Blancos, whose fans were hoping to see the club rebuilding the current squad but will mostly see the same core of players.
Madrid have completed a very poor preseason but the real competition starts today and they have the opportunity to take advantage of Barcelona’s defeat in Athletic’s San Mames and earn a three-point lead in the table.
However, Madrid will be without Eden Hazard, who suffered a badly-timed thigh injury which will prevent him from making his official debut with the club at least three weeks. Zidane has been trying a 5-3-2 formation during the preseason in order to improve the team’s defensive performances, and could implement that same formation today with Isco replacing Hazard right behind Benzema, who will lead the offense. Players like James or Bale could have a chance of playing in the right wing if Zidane reverts to the 4-3-3.
Celta are a quality team and Madrid have not been encouraging this season. Still, Zidane’s men have what it takes to earn the three points and make a statement. Game on.
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM LA LIGA
Date: 08/17/2019
Time: 17:00 CEST (local time), 11:00am EST.
Venue: Balaidos, Vigo, Spain.
Available TV: BeIN Sports (USA), Movistar La Liga (Spain)
Available Streaming: BeIN Sports Connect (USA), Fubo.TV (USA).
Managing Madrid has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links.