New signings to shine in Real Madrid victory
Relegation survivors of 2018/19 Celta Vigo face Real Madrid in the La Liga opening weekend on Saturday at Balaidos. Zinedine Zidane returning to the helm at the Santiago Bernabeu in March has strengthened his squad in looking to challenge Barcelona for the title they have won so easily of late and the Champions League that the Frenchman remarkably won three times back to back in his first spell. Celta finished the season extremely well to pull themselves out of the relegation zone however the Galacticos will be favourites for this encounter.
Last season
The gap between these two sides is demonstrated by the fact Real Madrid finished some 14 places ahead of the Celts last term and yet had a very disappointing season. Real registered 68 points, a clear eight behind their local rivals Atletico, who also beat them 7-3 in the International Champions Cup in a shocking performance that saw Diego Simeone’s side 7-1 up until late on. Celta managed to steer four points clear of relegation to the Segunda Liga. The Celts’ home form was crucial to maintaining their top flight status with four wins from their last five home league games, contrastingly Madrid ended the campaign with three losses and two draws leading into a summer of change.
Transfer business
By far the standout La Liga debutant of the weekend will be showcasing his skillset in this match, Belgian winger Eden Hazard joined Zizou’s squad from Chelsea for an initial £90million after an excellent career and 2018/19 campaign with the London-based team. 110 goals and 92 assists will stand him in good stead in aiming to pick up the mantle left behind by Cristiano Ronaldo and push on to his career goal of winning the Ballon D’Or. Real have freshened up their striking options with Serbian striker Luka Jovic signings from Europa League semi-finalists Eintracht Frankfurt, a young attacker who we could see in the famous white colours for a long time at just 21 years old his potential is clear. Defensively Zidane added Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy from Porto and Lyon respectively for just under £90million up front.
The hosts’ marquee summer signature is midfielder Denis Suarez from Barcelona, the 25-year-old having spent the second half of last season on loan to Arsenal. Fran Escriba bolstered his offensive contingent with a youthful forward as well, this time with a free transfer from Valencia in the form of Santi Mina.
Zidane will stamp his authority on the opening weekend as he aims to do exactly that on his new look Real Madrid team and will get past Celta Vigo with little trouble.
Celta Vigo – Real Madrid Betting Tip
Real Madrid to Win with BetVictor at odds of 4/6.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Goals from Karim Benzema, a Toni Kroos beauty and Lucas Vasquez helped Zidane's 10-man Madrid to a 3-1 win that has put them top of La Liga with 37 games left.