It didn’t take long, but questions and doubts are already starting to crop up over Zinedine Zidane’s management of Real Madrid. Even after a win against Levante at midweek, people have been questioning if he’s good enough as a manager to lead Madrid into the future, and he needs to start building up some dominant wins in order to silence his doubters, starting with Celta Vigo.
Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo 2016 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Real Madrid need an emphatic win over Celta to make sure things are on the right path.
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Celta have been a solid and impressive team for much of this season, but Madrid have enough of a talent advantage over them that they should be able to overwhelm the Célticos if they push hard enough. Getting that level of push hasn’t always been something Madrid have been able to consistently generate this season, though, and if they don’t generate it in this match the questions around them and Zidane are only going to get longer.
Key player -- Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)
With Madrid’s injury woes reaching their midfield, Kroos’ steady and reliable presence is more important than ever. Even if Luka Modric does manage to return to the lineup, he won’t be at full fitness and effectiveness, and Kroos will need to continue to carry the load in possession and getting up to support the attack. If Modric can’t hold up his end of things and Kroos struggles at all, Madrid will be in a lot of trouble against Celta’s hyperactive midfield.
Key matchup -- Danilo (Real Madrid) vs. Nolito (Celta Vigo)
Nolito’s trickery on the wing is going to be a stern test for Danilo, who struggled with him when these two teams met earlier this season. Nolito managed to score Celta’s only goal in that match, and with his excellent recent form there’s certainly cause for concern from Madrid fans. Danilo hasn’t exactly been a bastion of consistency this season, but when he does play well he locks his side of the pitch down. If he can put in that kind of performance again, Celta are going to be without their most dangerous weapon.
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Karim Benzema In doubt: Luka Modric, Alvaro Arbeloa
Celta Vigo injuries and suspensions
Out: Gustavo Cabral, Andreu Fontas
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. - English), beIN Sports en Español (U.S. - Spanish), Canal+ Liga/HD (Spain)
Online: beIN Sports Connect, FuboTV (U.S.)
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