Mbappé brace keeps Real Madrid in La Liga title hunt with 3-2 win over Celta Vigo
Kylian Mbappé netted twice and Arda Güler starred as Real Madrid edged past Celta Vigo 3-2 in a thrilling La Liga contest at the Santiago Bernabéu, keeping pressure on league leaders Barcelona ahead of next weekend’s El Clásico.
Real Madrid nearly squandered a comfortable three-goal cushion but held on to secure three vital points against a resilient Celta Vigo side pushing for European qualification.
Mbappé, Güler Shine in First-Half Dominance
Despite being plagued by injuries in defense, Carlo Ancelotti’s men looked sharp and composed, led by the creativity of 20-year-old Turkish midfielder Arda Güler and the clinical finishing of Kylian Mbappé, who now boasts 24 La Liga goals this season—just one behind Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski.
Güler opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a stunning curling effort after expertly creating space in the box. Just six minutes later, Madrid doubled their lead when Jude Bellingham launched a swift counter-attack, feeding Mbappé, who fired past Vicente Guaita with a trademark low finish.
Shortly after the break, Güler once again turned provider, slipping Mbappé through on goal for his second of the evening—Madrid’s third—seemingly wrapping up the contest.
Celta’s Comeback Scare
But Celta Vigo refused to back down. They pulled one back through Javier Rodríguez, who capitalized on a dubious corner decision and reacted fastest after Lucas Vázquez had initially cleared Pablo Duran’s backheel off the line.
With veteran striker Iago Aspas introduced in the second half, Celta’s attack came alive. The Galician icon crafted a brilliant assist for Williot Swedberg, who coolly slotted past Thibaut Courtois to make it 3-2 with over 15 minutes remaining.
Madrid were nearly punished again when Duran’s late effort slipped through Courtois’ hands but mercifully halted inches before crossing the line.
“Last Chance” before El Clásico Showdown
The victory keeps Madrid just four points behind Barcelona, who narrowly defeated Real Valladolid 2-1 on Saturday. With El Clásico on the horizon, midfielder Federico Valverde emphasized the significance of the upcoming clash:
“It’s the game of the year for us, the last chance to win La Liga. We will try our best to take the three points.”
Coach Carlo Ancelotti, while pleased with the result, admitted concern over the team’s lapse in focus:
“It’s a nice victory, but we suffered. We didn’t manage the game well in the second half. These situations can't keep happening.”
Match Highlights Summary
- Real Madrid 3-2 Celta Vigo
- Goals: Güler (33’), Mbappé (39’, 48’) | Rodríguez (61’), Swedberg (74’)
- Key Saves: Courtois denies Iglesias and Swedberg
- Assist leaders: Güler (2), Bellingham (1)
- Madrid’s defensive woes continue, missing six key defenders
What it Means for the Title Race
With the La Liga crown still in play, all eyes will turn to next Sunday’s El Clásico at Camp Nou, a potential title decider. Should Barcelona win, they could clinch the trophy early. Madrid, however, will aim to narrow the gap to just one point with a statement victory.
SportsLigue