Real Madrid secured a crucial 2–1 victory away at Celta Vigo on 19 October 2024, overcoming a determined home side in a match defined by clinical finishing, VAR drama, and late defensive composure.
Softfootball reports, Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring early, Williot Swedberg equalised after the break, and Madrid ultimately reclaimed the lead through a VAR-confirmed effort to earn all three points at Balaídos.
Los Blancos began with intent, pressing high and moving the ball sharply through midfield. Their early control paid off in the 20th minute when Eduardo Camavinga threaded a perfectly weighted pass into the stride of Mbappé. The Frenchman burst into the box and fired low past Vicente Guaita, giving Real Madrid a deserved 1–0 advantage.
Celta Vigo responded with spirit, maintaining possession well and refusing to allow Madrid to settle. Swedberg, Douvikas, and Bamba threatened the visitors’ back line with quick interchanges, but Andriy Lunin—deputising for Courtois—remained largely untested in the first half. Madrid went into the break ahead but aware of the growing pressure.
Celta’s persistence paid off shortly after the restart. In the 51st minute, Óscar Mingueza delivered an excellent cross into the area, where Williot Swedberg arrived unmarked to steer home the equaliser. A brief VAR check confirmed the goal, igniting the Balaídos crowd and shifting momentum in favour of the hosts.
Real Madrid were forced to react, and Xabi Alonso turned to his bench. Luka Modrić and Rodrygo were introduced to restore control in midfield and add spark to the attack. The changes had an immediate impact. In the 67th minute, Madrid found their breakthrough once again—this time via another nervy VAR decision that ultimately awarded the goal and restored their 2–1 lead.
Celta pushed forward in search of another equaliser, making a series of attacking substitutions as Borja Iglesias, Alfon, and Pablo Durán entered the fray. Despite their efforts, the home side struggled to break down Madrid’s defensive block. Militão and Rüdiger marshalled the back line with authority, while Lucas Vázquez and Ferland Mendy provided key interventions out wide.
The final minutes were tense, with fouls and yellow cards reflecting the intensity of the contest. Celta’s Marcos Alonso and Hugo Sotelo were both booked, while Lucas Vázquez saw yellow for Madrid amid a series of tactical fouls to break up counterattacks.
Real Madrid ultimately held firm, showing maturity and tactical discipline to see out the result. The win keeps their momentum alive in the La Liga title race and adds another decisive performance to Mbappé’s growing influence in the squad. For Celta Vigo, the defeat was a frustration, but their spirited display offered positives as they continue their battle to climb the standings.
