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March 11, 2024

Real Madrid 4-0 Celta Vigo: Vinicius Jr Shines as Carlo Ancelotti’s Side Extends La Liga Lead – La Liga

Real Madrid responded to earlier wins by title rivals Girona and Barcelona with a decisive 4-0 victory over Celta Vigo at the Bernabeu, re-establishing a seven-point lead at the top of a La Liga. Vinicius Jr opened the scoring in the 21st minute, setting the tone for a dominant performance that included two own goals and a late strike from Arda Guler.

While the match did not showcase Real’s best play, Celta rarely troubled them. Vinicius’s close-range goal was the only breakthrough for much of the game. The turning point came in the 78th minute when Antonio Rudiger’s deflected corner hit the bar and bounced off goalkeeper Vicente Guaita into the net.

Guaita, despite a solid overall performance, faltered two minutes from time when he misjudged Vinicius’s cross, leading to a second own goal off Carlos Dominguez. The crowd erupted in joy as young Turkish substitute Arda Guler capped off the scoring with his first goal for the club just before the final whistle.

Following Cadiz’s surprising win over Atletico Madrid, Celta Vigo is now precariously positioned, just one place and two points above the relegation zone.

Talking Point – Real Stars Must Address Indiscipline

Real Madrid’s recent match highlighted a growing concern over player discipline. Following Jude Bellingham’s controversial red card—an expulsion the club is contesting—Vinicius Jr. faced a potentially dangerous situation in the second half. His understandable frustration after being pulled down by Oscar Mingueza led to a heated exchange that could have seen him sent off. 

Instead, both players received yellow cards, which was fortunate given the score stood at 1-0.

Brahim Diaz stepped in admirably for Bellingham against Celta, but losing either key attacking player could severely impact their quest for a 15th European Cup/Champions League title. 

While next season may bring the addition of Kylian Mbappe, enhancing their offensive depth, this year, they need more resilience to withstand the absence of Vinicius or Bellingham in crucial matches.

Player of the Match – Luka Modric (Real Madrid)

While Real Madrid’s star-studded attack didn’t quite hit their stride, Luka Modric excelled in midfield, maintaining control throughout the match. His precise set-piece deliveries were instrumental in creating the first two goals. Modric received a heartfelt ovation as he left the field with two minutes remaining, marking his first league start since January. Real fans cherished the moment, knowing it might be one of his final appearances for the club, as he is out of contract this summer.

Player Ratings

Real Madrid: Lunin 6; Lucas Vazquez 7, Rudiger 8, Nacho 7, Mendy 7; Camavinga 7, Modric 8*, Valverde 7; Brahim Diaz 7; Vinicius Jr 7, Rodrygo 6.

Subs: Joselu 6, Tchouameni 6, Kroos 6, Ceballos 6, Guler 7.

Celta Vigo: Guaita 6; Manquillo 6, Starfelt 7, Unai Nunez 6, Manu Sanchez 6; Beltran 6, De la Torre 5, Mingueza 5; Bamba 6, Strand Larsen 5, Iago Aspas 6.

Subs: Dominguez 5, Cervi 6, Sotelo 5, Douvikas 6.

Match Highlights

21′ GOAL! REAL MADRID (VINICIUS JR) 1-0 CELTA! Vinicius opens the scoring! After Rudiger’s header from a corner is brilliantly saved by Guaita, Vinicius pounces on the rebound to give Madrid the lead.

35′ GUAITA DENIES RODRYGO! Celta’s mistake near their own box almost costs them. Vinicius sets up Rodrygo, but with a tight angle, he shoots low and is thwarted by Guaita’s quick reflexes.

45+2′ LATE CHANCE FOR CELTA! Aspas delivers a free kick that finds De La Torre at the back post. However, he sends a transparent header over the bar.

79′ GOAL! REAL MADRID (GUAITA OG) 2-0 CELTA! Rudiger powers a header from Modric’s corner that hits the crossbar. The rebound strikes Guaita and deflects into the net.

87′ FINE GOALKEEPING FROM GUAITA! Joselu breaks through after being played by Vazquez. Still, Guaita makes a fantastic save as he stretches to block the shot. The linesman raised his flag, but replays indicated the goal could have counted.

88′ GOAL! REAL MADRID (DOMINGUEZ OG) 3-0 CELTA! Vinicius’s cross goes through Guaita’s hands, ricocheting off the unaware Dominguez and into the net.

90+4′ GOAL! REAL MADRID (GULER) 4-0 CELTA! Arda Guler nets his first goal for Real Madrid in the dying moments. Valverde sets him up, and the young Turkish talent calmly rounds the goalkeeper to finish. A memorable moment!

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