Official: Real Madrid’s starting lineup against Celta Vigo | Copa del Rey

Real Madrid will be hoping to produce a strong response to their Spanish Super Cup debacle when they take on Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey last 16.

Prior to Merengues’ first home game in 2025, Carlo Ancelotti has announced the starting line-up that will take the field at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The manager has named a largely strong lineup with some rotations, starting in goal with Andriy Lunin replacing Thibaut Courtois.

Lucas Vazquez continues at right back, but Fran Garcia steps in for Ferland Mendy at left back. Raul Asencio gets a rare start in the heart of the defence, alongside Antonio Rudiger.

Asencio’s reintroduction in the defensive line means that Aurelien Tchouameni returns to his natural habitat in midfield, where he is joined by Dani Ceballos and Luka Modric. As such, both Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde have been rested.

Above are Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. both with from the start, with Brahim Diaz coming in for Rodrygo Goes. There is no place in the team for Arda Guler and Endrick, who started the last Copa del Rey match against Deportiva Minera.