Real Madrid Edges Celta Vigo in Thrilling Encounter

MADRID: A stellar performance by Kylian Mbappe, including two goals, propelled Real Madrid to a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Celta Vigo. The win at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Sunday brings Madrid within four points of Barcelona, who currently lead the league.

Madrid commenced the match with intensity. Arda Guler attempted an early strike in the fourth minute, firing from the centre of the box following a pass from Vinicius Junior.

Celta Vigo responded swiftly, with Marco Alonso launching an immediate attempt to level the score, but his shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois.

The deadlock was broken in the 33rd minute when Guler’s left-footed shot, assisted by Lucas Vazquez from the right side of the box, found the top left corner, putting his team ahead 1-0.

Mbappe extended their advantage six minutes later, capitalising on a chance created by Jude Bellingham, concluding the first half with Madrid leading 2-0.

Real Madrid began the second half energetically, with Mbappe scoring again in the 48th minute, assisted by Guler, further extending their lead to 3-0.

Celta Vigo mounted a late comeback attempt, scoring in the 69th minute through Javi Rodriguez, who found the top right corner from close range after a corner.

Williot Swedberg added another goal in the 76th minute, assisted by Iago Aspas, who had just entered the game, raising the visitors’ hopes.

Despite Celta’s efforts to equalise in the final minutes, Courtois denied Hugo Alvarez twice, in the 78th and 86th minutes.

Mbappe nearly completed a hat-trick in stoppage time, but his shot sailed over the bar.

Notably, a loss of points for Real Madrid would have allowed Barcelona to clinch the La Liga title by winning the upcoming El Clasico match next Sunday.