Match Report: Celta vs Real Madrid

Early Chances for Celta

Celta came into this match with momentum, having claimed four consecutive victories across various competitions. Just five minutes into the game, Borja Iglesias took a shot from 20 yards that required Thibaut Courtois to dive low to prevent the scoreline from changing early.

Real Madrid Takes the Lead

However, after Vinicius Junior hit the post with a shot not long after, Real Madrid quickly found their groove. Following a corner kick, Aurelien Tchouameni’s deflected shot provided an opportunity for the Frenchman to net his first league goal of the season in the 11th minute.

Real Madrid had a perfect record this season, winning all 18 La Liga matches in which they opened the scoring. Iglesias aimed to disrupt this streak, but Courtois once again thwarted him with a fingertip save when Iglesias received a through ball.

Celta Equalizes

Despite earlier frustrations, Iglesias ultimately found the net in the 25th minute. Williot Swedberg showcased his strength against Trent Alexander-Arnold, delivering a pass that allowed Iglesias to seamlessly convert and level the match.

The remainder of the first half was uneventful in terms of goal-scoring opportunities until the 45-minute mark, when Swedberg had his powerful side-footed effort saved by Courtois, ensuring the score remained tied at halftime.

Second Half Developments

The second half began slowly, with the first notable attempt coming from Ferran Jutgla, whose corner kick was collected easily by Courtois in the 60th minute. Real Madrid’s youngsters, Thiago Pitarch and Cesar Palacios, aimed to shift momentum, but their efforts were met with solid defensive plays from Carl Starfelt. An appeal for a handball against Jutgla was denied, adding to Celta’s frustration.

As Los Blancos maintained their pressure late in the game, Iago Aspas nearly put Celta ahead but his shot struck the post, keeping the game level.

Late Drama

Celta seemed on the verge of extending their unbeaten streak to six matches until a late defensive mistake allowed Federico Valverde to shoot from 25 yards. His strike took a hefty deflection, making its way past Ionut Radu in the dying moments of the match, sealing a dramatic victory for Real Madrid. This win ensured that Real remains unbeaten in Vigo since 2014.

Key Match Statistics

Conclusion

Despite a resilient effort from Celta, the experience and determination of Real Madrid led to a crucial late victory, maintaining their position at the top of the league standings.