Real Madrid will be looking to start the new year on a winning note when they travel to Celta Vigo on Sunday, as they return to La Liga action at Balaidos having seen their title defence left in shambles by a crushing 3-0 home defeat to leaders Barcelona in their final game of 2017.
That left the champions 14 points adrift of Barca - albeit with a game in hand - and knowing they will need something approaching a miracle to overturn the deficit to their arch rivals. Los Blancos beat Gremio in Abu Dhabi on December 16 to claim their fifth trophy of 2017, a club record, but they have serious work to do if they are to retain the Primera Division title they won last May.
Real's cause has not been helped by a calf injury to Sergio Ramos which could keep the Spain defender out for most of January, and Zidane admits the loss of his skipper is a significant blow. Zidane said: "We lose a lot because he's our leader and our captain. We always want him with the team but these things happen.”
"The season is long and we want him to recover as soon possible. Hopefully he won't be out for long." Real Madrid have failed to win in their last three away league games (drawing two and losing one), after winning each of their previous 13. The last time they failed to win in four away games in a row in La Liga was in 2008 (three defeats and a draw).
"The season is long and we want him to recover as soon possible. Hopefully he won't be out for long." Real Madrid have failed to win in their last three away league games (drawing two and losing one), after winning each of their previous 13. The last time they failed to win in four away games in a row in La Liga was in 2008 (three defeats and a draw).
Meanwhile, striker Karim Benzema also misses out on Sunday due to an injury sustained in the Clasico defeat to Barcelona last month. Right-back Dani Carvajal is suspended for the trip to Balaidos following his red card in the same humiliating Clasico defeat. Nacho and Raphael Varane should start in central defence for Real Madrid away to Celta in the absence of Ramos.
At right-back, meanwhile, there will be another opportunity for youngster Achraf Hakimi as he is likely to take Carvajal’s position in the fixture.
In attack, Gareth Bale is set to start alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in the absence of Benzema, with the Welsh winger on target from the penalty spot against Numancia in a 3-0 win in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.
At right-back, meanwhile, there will be another opportunity for youngster Achraf Hakimi as he is likely to take Carvajal’s position in the fixture.
In attack, Gareth Bale is set to start alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in the absence of Benzema, with the Welsh winger on target from the penalty spot against Numancia in a 3-0 win in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.
Celta, with no major injury concerns or suspensions ahead of their first Liga fixture in 2018, are starting the weekend at 11th position in La Liga on 21 points, 10 adrift of fourth-placed Real Madrid and only six above the relegation places.
The Vigo oufit, 3-1 winners away to Deportivo La Coruna in the Galician derby just before Christmas, could hand a debut to new signing Robert Mazan, a Slovakian left-back brought in from MSK Zilina this week.
Celta Coach Juan Carlos Unzue has named the same squad that faced Barca in the cup - omitting John Guidetti, Ivan Villar, Andrew Hjulsager and new signing Robert Mazan - but admits it will not be the same starting XI.
Unzue, whose side also have go to the Nou Camp on Thursday, said: "The two line-ups will be related, players who were substitutes against Barcelona will be starters. "I've tried to make two teams that are as balanced as possible. I've no doubt that we're going to be competitive."
The Vigo oufit, 3-1 winners away to Deportivo La Coruna in the Galician derby just before Christmas, could hand a debut to new signing Robert Mazan, a Slovakian left-back brought in from MSK Zilina this week.
Celta Coach Juan Carlos Unzue has named the same squad that faced Barca in the cup - omitting John Guidetti, Ivan Villar, Andrew Hjulsager and new signing Robert Mazan - but admits it will not be the same starting XI.
Unzue, whose side also have go to the Nou Camp on Thursday, said: "The two line-ups will be related, players who were substitutes against Barcelona will be starters. "I've tried to make two teams that are as balanced as possible. I've no doubt that we're going to be competitive."
Celta have lost their last six league games against Real Madrid, conceding 23 goals in those matches (3.8 per game). However, they have only failed to score in one of the six. Celta will be the first opponent to test Real's fortitude since their humbling at Santiago Bernabeu, and Zidane's side will either showcase a high resolve or a further indication that they are lacking certain title-winning criteria.
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