Bruised Real aim to stay in title race with crucial tie against Celta

After crushing defeats by Arsenal in the Champions League and Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid have one remaining ambition — defending their La Liga title.

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Los Blancos host Celta Vigo on Sunday aiming to stay hot on league leaders Barcelona's tail, despite bruises from the cup final fallout this week.

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger was banned for six matches for throwing an object at the referee, and also chose to undergo a knee operation, meaning he is out until the end of the season.

Ferland Mendy and David Alaba were also ruled out injured for the rest of the campaign, joining long-term absentees Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao on the sidelines.

Carlo Ancelotti's defence, one of the team's weak points in general this season, is in tatters as a Celta side hoping to secure European football next season visit the Santiago Bernabeu.