X

WORLD FOOTBALL

NEWSSCORESTEAMSTRANSFER RUMORS

    Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo: Odds, Preview, Live Stream and TV Info

    Rob Blanchette@@_Rob_BFeatured ColumnistMarch 15, 2019

    Newly appointed Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane smiles, during a press conference in Madrid, Monday March 11, 2019. Real Madrid picked one of its most successful coaches to try to end one of its worst crises. Zinedine Zidane is returning to coach Real Madrid, the club he led to three straight Champions League titles. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
    Bernat Armangue/Associated Press

    Zinedine Zidane begins his second spell in charge of Real Madrid as his side host Celta Vigo in La Liga on Saturday.

    The Frenchman became Los Blancos' third manager of the campaign after Santiago Solari was shown the door on Monday.

    Real are out of the UEFA Champions League and must focus on chasing down Atletico Madrid in second.

    Their neighbours hold a five-point advantage over them, and Los Blancos will desire a strong finish to the season after Zidane's decision to rejoin.

                 

    Time: 11:15 a.m. (ET)/3:15 p.m. (GMT)

    Date: Saturday, March 16

    TV Info: BeIN Sports (U.S.)

    Live Stream: BeIN Sports Connect (U.S.), fuboTV (U.S.)

    Odds: Real win: 2-9, Celta win: 14-1, draw: 13-2

    Odds courtesy of Oddschecker. 

                                             

    Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo: Odds, Preview, Live Stream and TV Info
    Video Play Button
    ✨ Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content Right Arrow Icon

    Preview

    Celta might have fancied their chances against Real in the hours after their exit from Europe against Ajax, but the return of a Los Blancos hero is likely to transform the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

    The visitors are 18th in the division. Celta need the points on offer if they want to be in the top flight next season.

    Borja B. Hojas/Associated Press

    However, none of this will concern Madrid fans. Zidane has answered the call, and supporters will expect to see a reaction this weekend.

    Zidane was introduced as the new boss by president Florentino Perez on Monday, and the three-time Champions League winning manager stated his desire, per BBC Sport.

    "I want to put this club back where it belongs," said Zidane. "It has been difficult from the outside looking in. I have been living here in Madrid, doing my things. But I have recharged my batteries. I'm ready to coach this great club again."

    Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

    The immediate conundrum Zidane must tackle will be how to replace the goals of Cristiano Ronaldo.

    This has been the issue that has dogged the club all season long. Solari and Julen Lopetegui both failed at finding a successor from within the camp.

    Zidane will likely be handed sizeable funds in the summer, but with the campaign limping to a close, Real must find a way of registering wins and consistent performances.

    A 10-point gap to fifth all but guarantees Zidane Champions League qualification, and the weeks ahead will be focused on reorganisation and motivation.

    GETAFTE, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 9: Iago Aspas of Celta de Vigo during the La Liga Santander match between Getafe v Celta de Vigo at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on February 9, 2019 in Getafte Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
    Soccrates Images/Getty Images

    Celta's safety in mid-table has evaporated this season. One win in their last 12 in all competitions has left them fighting for safety at the Abanca-Balaidos.

    Spain international Iago Aspas has 10 goals in 18 La Liga appearances this term, but the forward's efforts have not been enough for the Galicia team.

    Celta's seven-year tenure in La Liga could end this season. The heights of coming sixth in 2015-16 now seem a long time ago.

    The away side will need to provide a good account of themselves at the Bernabeu, but all eyes will be on the technical area as Zidane once again takes his place as Real's leader.