Real Madrid Edges Past Celta Vigo 3-2 in a Nail-Biting La Liga Clash

"Football is never easy, but champions find a way to win." – Carlo Ancelotti

In a match filled with tension, drama, and late twists, Real Madrid secured a crucial 3-2 victory over Celta Vigo to keep their La Liga title hopes burning bright. Despite a shaky defensive performance, Los Blancos showed resilience, with key contributions from Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and a late winner from Brahim Díaz.

This in-depth blog covers:
✔ Live match updates & key moments
✔ Player ratings & standout performances
✔ Tactical analysis & where the game was won
✔ Post-match reactions & implications for the title race
✔ SEO-optimized links to top football sources

Match Recap: Real Madrid 3-2 Celta Vigo

Pre-Match Context

With Barcelona and Girona breathing down their necks, Real Madrid needed a win to maintain their lead at the top of La Liga. Celta Vigo, fighting relegation, arrived at the Bernabéu with a game plan to frustrate the hosts.

Starting Lineups:

• Real Madrid: Lunin; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr.

• Celta Vigo: Guaita; Mingueza, Starfelt, Nuñez, Sánchez; Dotor, Beltrán; Swedberg, De la Torre, Bamba; Aspas

(Source: Sport.es)

First Half: Madrid Dominates but Celta Hangs On

⚽ 18’ – GOAL! Vinicius Jr. opens the scoring with a brilliant solo run and finish. (1-0)
🟨 25’ – Yellow Card: Tchouaméni booked for a tactical foul.
⚽ 37’ – GOAL! Iago Aspas equalizes against the run of play with a clinical strike. (1-1)

Second Half: Chaos & Late Drama

⚽ 52’ – GOAL! Jude Bellingham restores Madrid’s lead with a powerful header. (2-1)
⚽ 68’ – GOAL! Jørgen Strand Larsen stuns the Bernabéu with a well-taken equalizer. (2-2)
🔄 75’ – Substitutions: Ancelotti brings on Brahim Díaz and Joselu for fresh attacking impetus.
⚽ 87’ – GOAL! Brahim Díaz scores the winner with a composed finish after a defensive error. (3-2)

Full-Time: Real Madrid 3-2 Celta Vigo

A nervy but vital three points for Los Blancos!

Player Ratings: Who Shined & Who Struggled?

Real Madrid

⭐ Vinicius Jr. (8.5/10) – A constant threat, scored the opener.
⭐ Jude Bellingham (8/10) – Scored a crucial header, dominated midfield.
⭐ Brahim Díaz (7.5/10) – Came off the bench to win the game.
⚠ Nacho (5.5/10) – Struggled defensively, at fault for Celta’s second goal.

Celta Vigo

⭐ Iago Aspas (8/10) – Scored and led the attack brilliantly.
⭐ Jørgen Strand Larsen (7.5/10) – Took his goal well, troubled Madrid’s defense.
⚠ Carlos Dotor (5/10) – Overrun in midfield, lost key duels.

(Source: Barron’s)

Tactical Breakdown: How Madrid Won Despite Defensive Lapses

✅ Wing Play: Vinicius and Rodrygo stretched Celta’s defense.
❌ Defensive Errors: Nacho and Rüdiger looked shaky, conceding two avoidable goals.
🔥 Super Subs: Brahim Díaz and Joselu changed the game late on.

Celta’s compact 4-4-2 worked well, but Madrid’s individual quality made the difference.

Post-Match Reactions

🗣 Carlo Ancelotti: "We suffered, but the team showed character. These wins define champions."
🗣 Rafael Benítez (Celta Vigo): "We deserved at least a point. Small mistakes cost us."

La Liga Title Race: What This Win Means

🔹 Madrid stays top, but the race is far from over.
🔹 Barcelona & Girona must keep winning to keep pressure.
🔹 Upcoming fixtures: Madrid faces tough tests against Atletico & Real Sociedad.

For live updates & stats, check:

• AS.com Match Report

• Barron’s Analysis

"Football is never easy, but champions find a way to win." – Carlo Ancelotti