Real Madrid’s game against Celta Vigo later today will be Carlo Ancelotti’s 200th game in charge of the Merengues in La Liga.
The momentous occasion, however, is important for reasons beyond the special milestone, especially as the first game after the international break.
With Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund ahead, Los Blancos will push for momentum against the Galicians at Balaidos but will also have their eyes on a special record.
A historic record
It has been more than a year since Real Madrid lost in La Liga, an event that last transpired against Atletico Madrid at Civitas Metropolitano last season.
Since that derby game a year ago, the men in white have gone 41 match days undefeated and are as close as they can get to Barcelona’s historic record for the most league match days without a defeat.
The Blaugrana’s current record stands at 43 games unbeaten and Real Madrid are thus just two games away from equalling that score. Tonight will be the first of the two remaining hurdles.
As they prepare to take the field at Balaidos, Real Madrid are odds-on favourites to win as they have not lost at the venue since 2014. Further, the team is rejuvenated by the return of Vinicius Jr, Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao and Kylian Mbappe.
However, they must be wary of the threat posed by Celta Vigo as the Galicians are known to be a resilient unit at home.
Should the team get past the hurdle tomorrow, they will have the chance to level terms with Barcelona in El Clasico. While Hansi Flick’s side are in better form, it is seldom a factor when the two teams meet.
A win against Barcelona next weekend will help the Merengues equal Barcelona’s historic record and give them a chance to break it and establish their supremacy once more.
