Mbappe Brace, Guler Magic Help Madrid Survive Celta Scare

Real Madrid narrowly survived a dramatic second-half collapse to defeat Celta Vigo 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabéu, ensuring they remain firmly in the LaLiga title race with just four games to play.

Los Blancos came into the match knowing nothing less than victory would suffice after Barcelona’s comeback win over Real Valladolid. And for much of the game, it seemed Carlo Ancelotti’s men were cruising to a comfortable win.

Arda Güler opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a superb strike from a short-corner routine, finding the top corner via a deflection after some smart interplay with Lucas Vázquez. Madrid doubled their lead before half-time, with Kylian Mbappé ruthlessly converting on the counterattack, assisted by Jude Bellingham’s incisive pass.

The French superstar wasn’t done yet. Just three minutes into the second half, Güler turned provider, splitting Celta’s defence with a perfectly weighted ball, and Mbappé made no mistake to bag his second of the night and seemingly put the game beyond doubt at 3-0.

However, Celta Vigo — fighting to secure European football next season — refused to roll over. Javi Rodriguez pounced on a loose ball in the 69th minute, smashing high into the net after a scrambled corner. Minutes later, Iago Aspas, fresh from the bench, conjured a moment of magic, threading an exquisite through-ball to Williot Swedberg, who coolly slotted past Thibaut Courtois to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

The final stages were frantic. Both goalkeepers were called into action, with Courtois denying Pablo Durán’s low drive and Vicente Guaita keeping out a late Brahim Díaz effort from close range.

The result keeps Madrid within four points of league leaders Barcelona, with El Clasico’ on the horizon next weekend, a match that could prove decisive in the race for the title.

Meanwhile, Rafa Benítez’s Celta Vigo will regroup as they aim to secure a European place, hosting Sevilla in their next fixture.

For now, though, Real Madrid breathe a sigh of relief as their LaLiga dreams live on.