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### Match Preview: Celta Vigo vs. Atlético Madrid

Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid aims to get back to winning ways as they travel to Balaídos to face Celta Vigo.

Celta Vigo has had a mixed start to the season, with three wins and three losses. They will be eager to bounce back after a defeat last time out against Athletic Club. Currently sitting ninth in the standings with nine points, Celta began the season strongly with two consecutive victories but has struggled recently, managing only one win in their last four league matches.

In their most recent outing, Celta Vigo suffered a 3-1 loss, despite holding more possession and creating a similar number of chances as their opponents. Their inability to convert chances has been a concern, particularly in the final third.

On the other hand, Atlético Madrid remains unbeaten this season, but their start has also been inconsistent, with three wins and three draws from six matches. While Simeone’s side has shown promise, they have dropped points in games where they were favored to win.

The Colchoneros come into this match following a frustrating 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano, where they failed to capitalize on their chances despite being expected to dominate. They will need to improve their performance against Celta if they hope to secure the three points.

As both teams look to find their rhythm, this clash promises to be an intriguing battle.

Team News & Tactics

Celta Vigo

The home team will be without the services of Mihailo Ristic and Lucas de la Torre, who remain sidelined. Meanwhile, Oscar Mingueza has also been ruled out after picking up an injury in their last outing.

Celta Vigo are expected to make a few changes to the XI that started in their last fixture when they lock horns with Atletico Madrid on Thursday. They will line up in a 3-4-3 formation, where Vicente Guaita will be in goal.

The back three will be made up of Javier Rodriguez Galiano, Carl Starfelt and Jailson. Having leaked way too many goals in the initial phase, they will look to keep things tight at the back. The centre-back trio will have the support of Hugo Alvarez and Marcos Alonso, who will feature as the wing-backs.

While the wing-back pairing will look to join the attack at every possible opportunity, they will have a long day helping out their backline. In the centre of the park, Fran Beltran will pair up with Ilaix Moriba. The duo will look to ensure Atletico Madrid midfielders do not get to dominate the ball without any difficulty. Iago Aspas and Borja Iglesias will feature on the flanks, while Williot Swedberg will be lead the line.

Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Guaita; Javier Rodriguez, Starfelt, Jailson; Alvarez, Beltran, Moriba, Alonso; Aspas, Swedberg, Iglesias

Team News & Tactics

### Atlético Madrid 

Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid will face Celta Vigo without César Azpilicueta. Although Thomas Lemar and Pablo Barrios are fitness concerns, they are expected to be included in the squad. Rodrigo De Paul, who missed the last match, is anticipated to return to full fitness for this fixture.

Antoine Griezmann, who was rested previously, is also expected to make his return to the lineup. Atlético will likely deploy a 3-5-2 formation, with Jan Oblak starting in goal. The back three will consist of Robin Le Normand, José María Giménez, and Reinildo Mandava, supported by wing-backs Marcos Llorente and Samuel Lino.

In midfield, veteran captain Koke will be joined by Rodrigo Riquelme and summer signing Conor Gallagher. This trio will aim to control the tempo of the game and maintain possession in the opposition's half. Up front, Griezmann is set to partner with Alexander Sørloth in the attacking duo.

**Probable Lineup (3-5-2)**:  

Oblak; Le Normand, Giménez, Reinildo; Llorente, Gallagher, Koke, Riquelme, Lino; Griezmann, Sørloth.

### Key Stats

- Atlético Madrid remains unbeaten in the 2024/25 La Liga season, with three wins and three draws.

- Celta Vigo has a perfect record at home, winning all three of their matches at Balaídos.

- Celta is the third-highest scoring team in the league, netting 14 goals, behind only Real Madrid and Barcelona.

- However, Celta also has the second-worst defensive record, having conceded 13 goals.

- Atlético Madrid boasts a strong historical advantage, winning eight of their last 11 encounters with Celta (8 wins, 3 draws).

### Player to Watch: Koke

  

As Atlético Madrid’s captain, Koke may not always be in the spotlight, but he has consistently been a key player for Diego Simeone’s side. He’s made a solid start to the season, already scoring a goal. Frustrated with the team’s overall performance, Koke is likely to step up and lead by example against Celta Vigo.

### Prediction

**Celta Vigo 1-3 Atlético Madrid**

While Celta has triumphed in all three of their home games this season, they may struggle to overcome Atlético Madrid. Despite some inconsistency, the visitors possess enough quality to secure a win. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 victory for the Madrid side.