REAL MADRID 4-0 CELTA VIGO: Real Madrid’s quest for their 36th La Liga title advanced with a dominant 4-0 win over Celta Vigo, enhancing their lead to seven points atop the table after wins from their title competitors Girona and Barcelona.
The match at the Bernabeu saw Vinicius Jr. initiating the scoreline in the 21st minute, followed by two own goals and a concluding strike from the young Turk, Arda Guler, sealing the comprehensive victory.
Despite not displaying their best form, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad maintained control throughout, with the game remaining close until late in the second half.
Antonio Rudiger’s attempt from a Luka Modric corner led to the first own goal, escalating pressure on Celta Vigo, further intensified by a second own goal shortly after. The match concluded on a high note for Madrid with Guler’s first goal for the team.
Celta Vigo now sits precariously close to the relegation zone following Cadiz’s unexpected win over Atletico Madrid.
The match also highlighted a concern for Real Madrid regarding player discipline; Vinicius Jr.’s potential red card scenario underscored the importance of keeping key players available, especially in light of Jude Bellingham’s recent suspension.
As the team looks forward to potentially integrating Kylian Mbappe next season, maintaining on-field discipline will be crucial for their ongoing Champions League campaign and domestic success.
Player of the Match: Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
Despite a less-than-spectacular performance from Real Madrid’s forward line, Modric stood out with an exemplary display in midfield, controlling the game and providing the assists for the first two goals with impeccable set-piece deliveries.
He was given a warm ovation when substituted near the end, which might be among his final appearances for Real Madrid, given that his contract is ending soon.
Player Ratings:
Real Madrid: Lunin (6), Lucas Vazquez (7), Rudiger (8), Nacho (7), Mendy (7); Camavinga (7), Modric (8*), Valverde (7); Brahim Diaz (7); Vinicius Jr (7), Rodrygo (6).
Substitutes: Joselu (6), Tchouameni (6), Kroos (6), Ceballos (6), Guler (7).
Celta Vigo: Guaita (6); Manquillo (6), Starfelt (7), Unai Nunez (6), Manu Sanchez (6); Beltran (6), De la Torre (5), Mingueza (5); Bamba (6), Strand Larsen (5), Iago Aspas (6).
Substitutes: Dominguez (5), Cervi (6), Sotelo (5), Douvikas (6).
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Match Highlights:
21′: Goal! Real Madrid takes the lead against Celta Vigo as Vinicius Jr capitalizes on a rebound following a powerful Rudiger header, initially saved by Guaita. (1-0)
35′: Guaita saves Celta Vigo again, denying Rodrygo after a defensive mistake presents the Real forward with a scoring opportunity.
45+2′: Celta Vigo misses a key chance as De La Torre sends a clear header over the bar from Aspas’ free-kick.
79′: Goal! Real Madrid doubles their lead; Rudiger meets a Modric corner, hits the crossbar, bounces off Guaita’s back, and crosses the line. (2-0)
87′: A superb save from Guaita prevents Joselu from extending Real’s lead, though the goal would have been offside.
88′: Goal! Real Madrid’s pressure pays off again as Vinicius’ cross is accidentally deflected into the net by Celta’s Dominguez. (3-0)
90+4′: Goal! Guler seals the victory with his first goal for Real Madrid, rounding the goalkeeper and scoring following Valverde’s through pass. (4-0)
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