Real Madrid starting lineup against Celta Vigo in LaLiga

From San Mamés to the Bernabéu. From turning a thorny away trip into a moment of relief to hoping that the assault on San Mamés becomes the start of something meaningful. In the heat of a coliseum that feels impregnable, Xabi will look to defend it with principles similar to the ones he applied in Bilbao. Four midfielders and two daggers up front: Vinicius and Mbappé.

That part is non-negotiable, even more so now that tempers have cooled around the Brazilian and the Frenchman has been in blistering form all season. These are the main chords in the search for that “rock and roll,” but not the whole song. Because after Celta come City, just three days later, and that matters.

That is why Xabi plans to rest Rüdiger. He has started twice since returning from injury, and there is no desire to take unnecessary risks — especially given the care his body demands, the form he has shown since coming back, and the small matter of Haaland looming.

Against Celta, Asensio is expected to partner Militão. He could also play on the right, but with neither Trent nor Carvajal available, that flank already has Valverde’s name written all over it. Once again it would be his eighth appearance there this season out of twenty matches. A blessing in disguise, particularly for Xabi, who has complete faith in the Hawk at right-back. On the left, Carreras will start.

In midfield, although there is some debate about whether to include Mastantuono or Brahim to bring more dynamism rather than control, the area promises to be crowded. With Güler back, the perpetual aim is to make him and Bellingham click — to complement each other without occupying the same spaces.

Initially, the Turk will start on the right and the Englishman on the left. That is in defence; in attack, both will operate as false wingers, effectively two attacking midfielders.

They will have to channel Real Madrid’s football. Tchouameni remains essential, and Ceballos, helped by injuries elsewhere (Camavinga is available but his ankle is not ready for a full match) and the domino effect they create, finds himself facing another chance after failing to seize his opportunity in Athens.

All of this points towards a potentially powerful starting eleven, with one eye on City and the other on LaLiga: Courtois; Valverde, Militão, Asensio, Carreras; Güler, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Bellingham; Mbappé and Vinicius.