Real Madrid W vs Celtic W
Women's UEFA Champions League, KO: 17:45 Oct 17, 2024, Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano
Real Madrid are aiming to bounce back from the defeat in their opening fixture of the UEFA Women’s Champions League as they host Celtic on Thursday. Madrid will be counting on their home record and should be too strong for the Scottish side, who have found this difficult lately.
Real Madrid will be looking to make a swift return to winning ways following their 3-2 defeat to Chelsea last time out in the Champions League. They attempted a fightback after going behind thanks to efforts from Alba Redondo and Linda Caicedo but fell just short.
That result was Real Madrid's only defeat in the last nine matches across all competitions. They have picked up seven wins in that run and manager Alberto Toril will be feeling confident heading into Thursday’s clash.
Celtic were also beaten last time out in the Champions League as they fell 2-0 to Twente. They were no match for the Dutch side and struggled to create much going forward while also being far to open at the back.
That result is part of a poor run of form for Celtic, who are winless in their last three matches across all competitions. They have lost their last two fixtures and were beaten 1-0 by Hearts last weekend.
How the bookies view it: Real overwhelmingly fancied
Real Madrid have been installed as overwhelming favourites and are priced at 1/12 by bet365 to claim the win. An unlikely victory for Celtic is valued at 25/1 by bet365, who is also offering odds of 17/2 for a draw.
Head to head: No previous meetings
This will be the first ever meeting between Real Madrid and Celtic.
Players to watch: Eyes on Spanish attack
Real Madrid have plenty of attacking quality and often spread their goals across the team. Signed Bruun often leads the line. With Caicedo and Caroline Weir also providing support, the Spaniards could be backed to produce over 2.5 goals at 8/13 with Betfred.
With Celtic failing to score in their last two matches, Real Madrid will be targeting a shutout on Thursday. Maelle Lakrar and Rocio Galvez should feature at the back and can lead the hosts to a clean sheet at 4/9 by bet365.
Probable line-up
Real Madrid should keep faith with Bruun as the main striker, with Weir and Caicedo providing support. Teresa Abelleira is expected to feature in midfield while Galvez and Lakrar are set to continue their central defensive partnership.
Celtic are expected to make a few changes, with Jessica Husband likely to earn a start after coming off the bench last time out. Bayley Hutchinson should lead the line while Erin Husband is set to start at the back.
Real Madrid: Misa, Carmona, Lakrar, Galvez, Garcia, Abelleira, Angledahl, Caicedo, Weir, Feller, Bruun
Celtic: Johnstone, Waldie, Husband, Brownlie, Wade, Robertson, Shore, Forsyth, Andrews, Jardine, Hutchinson
Anything else catch the eye?
Real Madrid are expected to be dominant on Thursday and could be backed with both halves at 5/6 at be365. A -3 handicap could also be considered for the hosts at 15/8 with bet365.
This Women's UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid W and Celtic W will be played on Oct 17, 2024 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Real Madrid W vs Celtic W prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
