Kylian Mbappe Brace Keeps Real Madrid in Title Hunt with 3-2 Win Over Celta Vigo Ahead of Clasico Showdown

Kylian Mbappe netted twice as Real Madrid clinched a thrilling 3-2 win over Celta Vigo on Sunday, keeping the pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona.

After the Catalans pulled off a comeback win against Valladolid on Saturday, Madrid’s victory preserved the four-point gap ahead of next weekend’s crucial Clasico.

The defending champions surged to a 3-0 lead at the Santiago Bernabeu but were forced to hold on as Celta mounted a late fightback. Positioned seventh in the league, Celta are fighting for a place in next season’s European competitions.

Ancelotti Highlights Defensive Shortcomings

“The game seemed finished… you have to remember we’re without six defenders and we’re not always capable of solving these things,” said Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti. “Yes it could have been dealt with better, we suffered a bit, but it’s a nice victory.”

Madrid’s recent form has been inconsistent, with a Champions League exit and a Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona, but the team remains hopeful of catching Hansi Flick’s side in the league.

Valverde: “These Things Can’t Happen”

Midfielder Fede Valverde expressed frustration with Madrid’s collapse in the second half.

“We had a very good first half (but)… we fell apart, these things can’t happen, it’s happened to us a lot,” Valverde said. “We left a lot minutes for them to get comfortable and they are a great team and they put us in a tough spot.”

Guler Impresses in Starting Role

With Rodrygo Goes sidelined due to illness, Turkish starlet Arda Guler made the most of his starting opportunity, orchestrating Madrid’s attacking play.

The 20-year-old was dynamic early on, attempting an overhead kick that went just wide and controlling the pace of the game.

Celta came close with chances from former Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso, who headed over and forced a strong save from Thibaut Courtois. At the other end, Aurelien Tchouameni missed a good headed chance before Madrid found their rhythm.

Guler and Mbappe Give Madrid Command

Madrid opened the scoring in the 33rd minute when Guler carved out space in the box and bent a superb strike past Vicente Guaita. Six minutes later, Mbappe doubled the lead with a clinical finish after Courtois saved from Borja Iglesias and launched a counter-attack.

Jude Bellingham set up Mbappe, who blasted his effort into the net.

Just minutes into the second half, Guler again provided the assist as Mbappe scored his second goal with a composed finish, taking his tally to 24 league goals—just one behind Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski.

Celta Capitalise on Madrid’s Lapses

Madrid appeared to be cruising until Javier Rodriguez pulled one back for Celta from close range.

The goal followed a wrongly awarded corner, with Lucas Vazquez clearing Pablo Duran’s attempt off the line, only for Rodriguez to convert the rebound.

The introduction of Iago Aspas gave Celta further attacking impetus. Aspas delivered a precise pass to Williot Swedberg, who calmly slotted past Courtois to make it 3-2.

Courtois had a nervy moment shortly after when Duran’s shot slipped through his hands and nearly trickled over the line, but the ball slowed before crossing.

Madrid Hold On Before Clasico

Madrid narrowly escaped dropping points, which would have allowed Barcelona to seal the title next weekend with a win in the Clasico.

“It’s the game of the year for us, the last chance for us to win La Liga,” said Valverde. “We will try our best to take the three points.”

Other La Liga Highlights

Real Betis kept their European hopes alive with a dramatic 2-1 win over Espanyol, scoring twice late in the game. Antony struck a brilliant winner in the 91st minute, moving Betis to within a point of Villarreal in the battle for fifth place.

Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad played out a goalless draw in a tightly contested Basque derby, leaving the race for Champions League qualification wide open.