Mbappé’s Last-Minute Brilliance and Brace Keep Real Madrid’s La Liga Title Hopes Alive with 3-2 Win Over Celta Vigo

Mbappé’s Last-Minute Brilliance and Brace Keep Real Madrid’s La Liga Title Hopes Alive with 3-2 Win Over Celta Vigo

Real Madrid edged out Celta Vigo 3-2, fending off a late comeback attempt and keeping their La Liga title hopes alive, staying within four points of league leaders Barcelona. They now prepare to face their archrivals in next week’s El Clásico.

Following Barcelona’s dramatic comeback win against Valladolid on Saturday, Real Madrid faced a stern test on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite the pressure, they managed to maintain the gap at four points.

Even after stumbling in the Champions League and losing the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona, Carlo Ancelotti’s side still hold out hope of surpassing Hansi Flick’s Barcelona in the league.

Despite suffering several injuries in defense, Madrid took control of the match. Young Turkish midfielder Arda Güler delivered an outstanding performance, stepping in for the ill Rodrygo and showing impressive skill.

In the 33rd minute, Güler created space in the box and curled in a precise strike to put Madrid ahead. Just six minutes later, on a rapid counterattack, Bellingham set up Mbappé, who blasted a brilliant goal from the right side.

Early in the second half, Güler assisted again, threading a perfect pass for Mbappé to complete his brace with a low left-footed finish — his 24th league goal of the season, just one behind Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski.

Although the match seemed settled at that point, Javier Rodríguez scored from close range after a corner, bringing Celta back into contention. Then, after a superb pass from Iago Aspas, Williot Swedberg added a second goal for Celta, making it 3-2.

Late in the match, Thibaut Courtois spilled a shot, and the ball dangerously rolled toward the goal line, but fortunately slowed down and stopped before crossing.

Despite the late pressure, Real Madrid held on to secure the win. Had Madrid dropped points, Barcelona could have clinched the title next week with a victory in El Clásico.