Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo opened the score for Real Madrid against Levante in the midweek Reuters

Real Madrid will look to close the gap on La Liga's top two when they host Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu on 5 March.

Where to watch

Kick-off is set for 3pm GMT. The game is not scheduled for live broadcast in the UK.

Overview

An injury-ravaged Real Madrid team bounced back from their derby defeat against Atletico Madrid by beating Levante 3-1 on 2 March. Zinedine Zidane's side could close the gap on second-placed Atletico to just one point by beating Celta Vigo, with their city rivals not in action until 6 March.

Karim Benzema remains sidelined for the hosts through injury, but defenders Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal are available again after missing the Levante clash through suspension. Gareth Bale (calf), Marcelo (hip) and Luka Modric (foot) could all return.

Celta Vigo extended their unbeaten run in the league to three matches by holding Villarreal to a goalless draw at home. The Galician outfit have lost eight of their last 10 meetings with Real Madrid.

Eduardo Berizzo has no fresh injury concerns. Long-term achilles injury victim Andreu Fontas remains sidelined.

What managers say

Zinedine Zidane: "When there are a lot of changes you always think it may make things more difficult. When a player doesn't play a lot, it is difficult but [against Levante] you couldn't see that. We have to give everything we have out on the pitch, and that doesn't just apply to academy players. We also want to perform at our top level but sometimes things go well and sometimes they don't. [But] that is what we have to do – run and be committed."

Eduardo Berizzo: "We faced a team (Villarreal) that closed spaces, defended well and waited for an error. I think we played an intelligent game, requiring great patience."

Form guide

  • Real Madrid (all competitions): W L D W W
  • Last result: Levante 1-3 Real Madrid
  • Celta Vigo (all competitions): D W W L D
  • Last result: Celta Vigo 0-0 Villarreal

Betting odds (888sport)

  • Real Madrid win: 3/10
  • Draw: 21/4
  • Celta Vigo win: 8

Team news

Real Madrid possible XI: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Isco, Kroos, Modric; Rodriguez, Mayoral, Ronaldo.

Celta Vigo possible XI: Alvarez; Mallo, Cabral, Gomez, Jonny; Wass, Diaz; Aspas, Orellana, Nolito; Guidetti.