Real Madrid experienced a rollercoaster afternoon at the Santiago Bernabeu after beating Celta 3-2 in a duel that seemed to be resolved, but ended up being a real nightmare for the locals. With a promising start and a comfortable three-goal lead, the white team broke down in the second half and came close to a draw against an opponent that never gave up. It was a victory that left more questions than certainties, just a week before the derby against Barcelona.
Güler Sets The Pace In A Dominant First Part
Madrid's performance was intense. Far from the slowness of other matches, Ancelotti's team pressed high and searched decisively for the rival goal. Celta responded bravely, without closing in, which allowed a back-and-forth start in which Courtois had to intervene early to avoid surprises. Madrid then found a window to impose their game and open spaces.
It was Arda Güler who took the offensive lead. The young Turk, increasingly confident, scored the first goal with an impeccable left-footed shot to the far post, confirming his good moment and his growing importance in the team. Beyond the goal, his mobility, dribbling and vision made him one of the best news for a Madrid team with many casualties.
Shortly after, and after a decisive save by Courtois, Madrid mounted a lightning counter-attack that ended in a goal by Mbappé. The Frenchman, who had been somewhat disconnected, made no mistake when he had his chance. With that 2-0, the match seemed under control and the Bernabeu breathed a sigh of relief.
The Illusion Of 3-0 And The Unexpected Twist
After the break, Madrid kept up the momentum. Mbappé and Güler combined again to make it 3-0, giving the impression that the game was already sealed. However, that lead ended up being deceptive. A defensive error allowed Javi Rodríguez to score after a weak clearance by Lucas Vázquez. That goal ignited the spark in Celta and extinguished Madrid's security.
The entry of Iago Aspas completely changed the script. The veteran striker brought clarity, final pass and leadership. It was he who set up Swedberg for 3-2 and then left Durán alone with an exquisite back-heel. Only a miraculous intervention by Courtois prevented the equalizer, in a play that left the stadium frozen.
Madrid was split in two, with several players going forward without returning to help in defense. The tactical disconnection was evident. Ancelotti looked at the pitch without many answers, and the team depended exclusively on the passing of the minutes.
Alarm bells ringing before the Clásico
The victory eventually came, but it left open wounds. Defensively, the team showed a worrying fragility. The lack of balance in the final minutes was evident, with players like Lucas Vázquez and the youth players having to support the team at critical moments. In attack, although Güler shone, others like Mbappé appeared only at times.
In addition, the accumulated physical wear and tear and the squad's injury problems make the upcoming match against Barcelona in Montjuïc an even tougher test. Madrid needs more than individual talent. It needs order, steadiness and consistency, qualities it did not show in the final stages of the match against Celta.
Another key point was that players such as Tchouaméni, Ceballos and Lucas did not see yellow cards, which is a relief for the clásico. However, the team seems to have been walking a tightrope for weeks now. Every mistake could be costly, and the league could be decided by details.
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A Finale With More Nerves Than Celebration
The final whistle was greeted with a collective sigh. Although Madrid got the three points, the way the game ended left a bitter taste. What could have been a quiet victory ended up being a victory with heart in hand. The Bernabéu, which went from applause to silence in minutes, reflected the mood of a team living on the edge.
This result keeps Madrid alive in La Liga, but does not dispel doubts. There are still four games left and, with the clásico in sight, any false step could be definitive. The match against Celta showed that the margin for error is minimal and that confidence must go hand in hand with solidity.
What is clear is that this Madrid is not taking anything for granted, neither for better nor for worse. Although they have talent to spare, they need to learn to close games more firmly. If they do not want the title to slip away, they will have to show a more reliable and less fragile face in the games to come. Because this league is still alive, but only for those who know how to survive the scares.
