Real Madrid took three points with a dramatic late winning goal. It was not an easy match, but they ultimately produced a result.
Real Madrid beat Celta Vigo 2-1 in the 2025-2026 La Liga round 27 match held March 7 (Korea time) at Balaídos in Vigo, Spain.
With this victory, Real Madrid closed to within 1 point of leader FC Barcelona in the standings. However, they have played one more match.
Celta Vigo had the sharper start. In the sixth minute of the first half, Borja Iglesias attempted a powerful shot, but goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made the save.
Real Madrid broke the deadlock from a set piece. In the 11th minute of the first half, after a short corner routine, Arda Güler threaded a pass into the box and Aurélien Tchouaméni shook the net with a right-footed shot. It was Tchouaméni's first La Liga goal of the season.
Celta Vigo immediately struck back. In the 25th minute of the first half, they capitalized on a defensive mistake by Alexander-Arnold to create a chance. Williot Swedberg won the ball and played a pass, and Iglesias calmly finished to make it 1-1.
After that, Celta Vigo created more chances. Courtois rescued his team from danger by saving shots from Iglesias and Swedberg in succession.
In the second half, Real Madrid increased their possession. They held the ball for long periods to try to attack but could not easily break down Celta Vigo's deep defense. Real Madrid recorded over 68% possession in the second half alone, but there were not many decisive chances.
Late in the match Celta Vigo nearly turned the result with a counterattack. In the 42nd minute of the second half, Iago Aspas' shot hit the post and came out, and Real Madrid narrowly escaped a crisis.
In the end, the outcome was decided in the final moment. In the fourth minute of stoppage time in the second half, after Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross was cleared, the ball fell in front of Federico Valverde. Valverde attempted a right-footed shot from outside the box, and the ball deflected off a defender and curled into the corner of the net.
It was a dramatic winning goal.
Celta Vigo recorded an expected goals (xG) of 1.05 in the match, creating more threatening moments than Real Madrid (0.87). Nevertheless, the points went to Real Madrid.
Real Madrid will face Manchester City in the upcoming UEFA Champions League. Celta Vigo will participate in the Europa League schedule.
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