Real Madrid ended a two-match winless streak with a dramatic 2-1 triumph over Celta Vigo, courtesy of a stoppage-time goal that salvaged all three points. The victory, though hard-earned, offered a significant morale boost for Los Blancos after recent disappointments in La Liga.
Match Overview
Celta Vigo drew first blood in the 11th minute, but Real quickly responded through Aurélien Tchouaméni. Despite controlling possession for 63% of the match, Real’s attacking output was limited, managing just three shots on target from 14 attempts. By contrast, Celta Vigo recorded four shots on target from eight, keeping the visitors under constant threat.
| Statistic | Real Madrid | Celta Vigo |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 1 |
| Total Shots | 14 | 8 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 4 |
| Possession | 63% | 37% |
| Key Scorers | Tchouaméni, Valverde | Borja Iglesias |
Key Events
Real Madrid deployed a 4-3-3 formation at Celta’s Balaídos Stadium, with Vinícius Júnior, Brahim Díaz, and Arda Güler spearheading the attack. Several first-team players were sidelined due to injury, forcing manager Carlo Ancelotti to adapt.
Celta posed an early threat: in the sixth minute, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois blocked Borja Iglesias’ low shot. Vinícius’ attempt soon after rattled the post, leaving the scoreline still level. Real broke the deadlock when Arda Güler’s clever corner delivery found Tchouaméni, who finished powerfully to make it 1-0.
Celta responded in the 25th minute. Swedberg’s cross from the left found the unmarked Iglesias, who levelled the score with a composed strike. Real faced further danger before half-time, with Courtois producing a vital save from Swedberg’s shot outside the six-yard box.
The second half saw Real struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. Vinícius’ 67th-minute effort was comfortably saved, and Yago Aspas’ 87th-minute shot struck the post, leaving the match poised for a draw.
Dramatic Stoppage-Time Goal
In the fifth minute of added time, Fede Valverde unleashed a shot from outside the box that deflected off a Celta defender, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and finding the net. The late goal lifted the spirits of the Real Madrid squad and secured three crucial points in the La Liga title race.
With this win, Real Madrid rise to second in the La Liga table with 63 points from 27 matches, one point behind leaders Barcelona, who have played 28 games. The result ensures the championship race remains tantalisingly close.