Football | Real Madrid 3 - 2 Celta Vigo
Mbappé brace keeps Madrid in title hunt ahead of El Clásico
The French striker struck twice as Real Madrid edged a nervy 3-2 win over Celta Vigo, ensuring they remain within four points of La Liga leaders Barcelona ahead of next weekend’s El Clásico.
Author - Ed
Carlo Ancelotti’s side went ahead in the 33rd minute, with a short corner routine culminating in Arda Güler curling a deflected effort into the top corner.
The lead was then doubled shortly after, when Mbappé finished emphatically at the end of a swift Madrid counterattack.
The Frenchman added a second early in the second half, coolly slotting left-footed past Vicente Guaita after being picked out by an incisive Güler through ball.
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Madrid appeared to be cruising, but Celta rallied. Javi Rodríguez halved the deficit with just over 20 minutes remaining, pouncing after the hosts failed to deal with a corner.
Iago Aspas then rolled back the years with a superb assist, threading a pinpoint ball to substitute Williot Swedberg, who made it 3-2 with a calm finish on 76 minutes.
Moments later, Celta almost found an equaliser. Aspas again created the opportunity, sending Pablo Durán through on goal. The forward’s shot slipped beneath Thibaut Courtois, but the Madrid goalkeeper managed to recover before the ball crossed the line.
As Celta pressed, space opened up at both ends. The final stages were frantic, yet Madrid held their nerve to secure a vital three points.
The result ensures the champions travel to Barcelona next Sunday with momentum and the knowledge that a fifth consecutive league win would cut the gap to a single point, with just three fixtures left to play.
Celta, meanwhile, remain seventh as they continue their push for European qualification.
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