Real Madrid secured a thrilling 2-1 victory against Celta Vigo on Saturday, thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. This win allows Madrid to match La Liga leaders Barcelona at the top of the table.
Mbappe Breaks the Ice Amid Controversy
France striker Kylian Mbappe, amidst ongoing media scrutiny related to an alleged incident during a visit to Sweden, opened the scoring for the Spanish champions. His long-range strike in the first half marked his first goal from outside the area for Madrid and added to his impressive tally of six league goals since his summer transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.
Reports of the investigation arose after Mbappe faced backlash for missing recent Nations League matches, which he labeled as “fake news.” Despite the distractions, he remained focused on the pitch, giving Madrid an early lead.
Celta Vigo’s Resilience
Celta Vigo’s Williot Swedberg equalized for the hosts, demonstrating their ability to fight back. Swedberg had earlier missed a significant opportunity in the first half, as his attempt was expertly saved by Thibaut Courtois.
After Celta’s equalizer, the match continued with both teams pushing for control. However, it was Vinicius Junior who ultimately secured the win for Madrid, scoring the decisive goal in the 66th minute.
Tactical Adjustments
With captain Dani Carvajal sidelined for an extended period, coach Carlo Ancelotti opted for a three-centre-back system, shifting Lucas Vazquez to right-back and adapting his defensive formation. This tactical change provided Celta with some chances, but Madrid’s attack remained potent, showcasing their resilience and offensive prowess.
Looking Ahead
Real Madrid, now unbeaten in 42 La Liga matches, is set for a highly anticipated clash against Barcelona next weekend, following Barcelona’s match against Sevilla on Sunday. The upcoming El Clasico promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for supremacy at the top of the league table.