Real Madrid vs Celtic Predictions

• Real Madrid must win in order to guarantee top spot in the group.
• Real Madrid are expected to name a full-strength team after rotating last week.
• Celtic are already eliminated and have nothing but pride to play for.

Stick with Real to claim top spot

Although Real Madrid have already qualified for the final 16 of the Champions League, they need a victory here to ensure that they finish in top spot and thus get the ‘easier’ draw against one of the second-placed sides.

Carlo Ancelotti will hope for a reaction from his side after failing to win back-to-back games as they’re now at risk of a rotten three-game winless run for the first time in over a year! The visit of Celtic could be just the tonic.

Real Madrid have already defeated Celtic 3-0 in the reverse and are yet to lose at home this season with six wins and just two draws, so anything short of maximum points in this encounter would certainly shock the football world.

Celtic could go out with a whimper

The visitors have nothing but pride left to play for in this tournament as they’re guaranteed to finish bottom of the group no matter what happens. With a four-point advantage in the Scottish title race, Celtic would be forgiven for focussing their efforts on domestic matters over their floundering European efforts.

Celtic failed to win 13 of their last 14 Champions League away group games with ten defeats during that run. Combine that with the Bhoys’ shocking return of 13 conceded goals in their last two visits to Spain and this could be a very long evening for Ange Postecoglu’s men.

We’re backing Real Madrid to win this handily in the -1 handicap market, with a smaller stakes selection going the way of a 4-1 home win.