Federico Valverde scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time with a deflected shot to lift Real Madrid to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo in La Liga on Friday, returning to the win column after back-to-back losses.
Real took the lead through Aurelien Tchouameni in the 11th minute, but Borja Iglesias equalized in the 25th minute after Williot Swedberg broke down the left flank and delivered a low cross.
Substitute Iago Aspas hit the post in the 88th minute before Valverde tried his luck from distance, with his attempt taking a deflection and finding the back of the net.
Real Madrid Snatch Vital Win at Celta Vigo
The result sees Real, who lost their previous matches against Osasuna and Getafe, to second place with 63 points, just one point behind Barcelona who face Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
“There is still a long way to go in the league, and we can score a lot of points. Every game will be a battle,” Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa said in a press conference. “Today’s performance was commendable.”
He added, “We hope this victory is one we remember if we win the league. It guides us to the path we wish to take in every game. This is Real Madrid: belief, and fight. We hope this game is a turning point.”
Celta started the match at a fast pace and nearly caught the depleted visitors off guard.
Aurelien Tchouameni’s goal in the 11th minute – Getty
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved with one hand in the fifth minute from Iglesias’ shot from the edge of the area. Real were without nine players, including Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, Éder Militão, and Jude Bellingham.
Real responded quickly, with Vinícius Júnior hitting the left post during a counterattack before Tchouameni opened the scoring two minutes later.
After Arda Güler delivered a short corner, he passed to Tchouameni, who fired it directly into the net in the left corner.
Celta equalized in the 25th minute when Swedberg beat Trent Alexander-Arnold on the left side and played a low cross for Iglesias to score from close range.
Swedberg almost scored before halftime, but Courtois reacted quickly.
Vinícius remained the biggest threat after the break, but without clear chances. Substitute Iago Aspas was closest to scoring for Celta, hitting the post in the 88th minute.
As a draw loomed, Valverde struck with a powerful shot that deflected into the net, keeping Real’s pressure on Barcelona alive.
