Real Madrid Stay in LaLiga Title Hunt Ahead of El Clasico
Kylian Mbappé scored a sensational brace as Real Madrid held off a late comeback from Celta Vigo to win 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday night. The victory keeps Los Blancos within four points of league leaders Barcelona, setting up a thrilling Clasico clash next weekend.
Real Madrid Dominate Early With Güler and Mbappé Leading the Charge
Madrid were in control for much of the match and broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute through Arda Güler. The young Turkish midfielder combined cleverly with Lucas Vázquez on a short corner, before curling a pinpoint left-footed strike into the far corner from a tight angle.
Just six minutes later, Jude Bellingham lofted a ball over Celta’s high line to find Mbappé in full flight. The French forward took a touch and unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from outside the box to make it 2-0, giving the hosts a comfortable cushion. 
Mbappé Scores Again as Madrid Appear to Cruise
Real Madrid looked in complete control just minutes into the second half. In the 48th minute, Güler turned provider, threading a perfect through ball for Mbappé, who calmly slotted home into the bottom right corner. It was his 24th goal of the LaLiga season—just one behind Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski in the Golden Boot race.
At that point, it seemed Madrid would stroll to a routine win. However, Celta Vigo had other ideas.
Celta Vigo Launch a Spirited Comeback
Despite being second-best for most of the match, Celta Vigo showed grit and determination in the final 30 minutes. In the 69th minute, Javi Rodríguez pounced on a loose ball in the box after Real Madrid failed to clear a corner, bringing the visitors back into the game.
The Galician side struck again in the 76th minute. Veteran striker Iago Aspas slipped a clever ball through to Williot Swedberg, who beat Courtois from close range to make it 3-2 and send shockwaves through the Bernabéu.
Courtois Saves the Day as Madrid Hold On
With momentum firmly in Celta’s favor, Real Madrid were forced into a defensive shell. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made two crucial stops in the dying minutes—first denying Pablo Durán and then Aspas—to preserve the narrow lead and secure all three points.
Midfielder Federico Valverde acknowledged the nervy finish, telling Real Madrid TV:
“The most important thing was the win. We played a good first half, but then we fell apart. They are a great team and they put us in trouble.”
Eyes on the Clasico as Title Race Heats Up
The victory marks Madrid’s fourth straight LaLiga win and keeps their title hopes alive with just four matches remaining. All eyes now turn to next Sunday’s El Clasico at the Camp Nou, which could be decisive in the race for the championship.
Goalkeeper Courtois summed it up best:
“Now, let’s get ready for next Sunday”
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