Real Madrid ended a frustrating run of two matches without a win, claiming a dramatic 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo thanks to a stoppage-time strike by Fede Valverde. The win, achieved in the dying moments of the game, highlighted both the team’s resilience and lingering vulnerabilities.
Match Details
Real Madrid set up in a 4-3-3 formation at Balaídos Stadium, fielding Vinícius Júnior, Brahim Díaz, and Arda Güler in attack. Several first-team regulars were sidelined due to injuries, forcing manager Carlo Ancelotti to adapt his strategy. While Real dominated possession at 63%, they struggled to convert chances, registering only three shots on target from 14 attempts. Celta Vigo, in contrast, made the most of their opportunities with four shots on target from eight.
| 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 |
First Half Drama
The match began with early pressure from Celta Vigo. In the sixth minute, Borja Iglesias tested Thibaut Courtois with a low strike, which the goalkeeper managed to save. Moments later, Vinícius Júnior’s attempt hit the post.
Real Madrid opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Aurélien Tchouaméni capitalised on a precise corner delivery from Arda Güler, firing a powerful shot into the net. However, Celta responded in the 25th minute. Williot Swedberg’s well-placed cross found Borja Iglesias, who levelled with a composed finish. Real narrowly avoided conceding again just before half-time, with Courtois pulling off a critical save from a Swedberg strike outside the six-yard box.
Second Half Struggles
Despite controlling possession, Real struggled to create clear-cut chances in the second half. Vinícius’ 67th-minute effort was comfortably saved, and Yago Aspas’ 87th-minute shot rattled the post, leaving the match heading towards a draw.
Last-Minute Heroics
The breakthrough came in stoppage time when Fede Valverde unleashed a shot from outside the box. The effort deflected off a Celta defender, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and finding the back of the net. The goal secured a hard-fought three points and lifted the Real Madrid squad’s spirits.
With the victory, Real Madrid climb to second in the La Liga standings with 63 points from 27 matches, one point behind Barcelona, who have played one more game. The title race remains highly competitive as the season approaches its final stages.