Federico Valverde delivered a decisive moment deep into stoppage time as Real Madrid secured three valuable points away to Celta in La Liga, tightening the race at the top of the standings and increasing the pressure on leaders FC Barcelona.
The winning goal arrived in the closing seconds when Valverde struck from a distance, with the ball taking a significant deflection off Marcos Alonso before finding the net. The late intervention ended a run of two league matches without a victory for the Madrid side.
Earlier in the match, Aurélien Tchouaméni had opened the scoring after seeing his attempt rebound in off the frame of the goal. The chance came shortly after Vinícius Júnior had rattled the post, indicating an early period of attacking pressure from the visitors.
Despite that bright start, the home team responded quickly and managed to level the score, ensuring the contest remained balanced until the closing stages.
Celta fight back after defensive lapse
Celta’s equaliser came following a defensive mistake involving Trent Alexander-Arnold. The defender was beaten along the flank by Williot Swedberg, who surged past him before delivering a pass into the penalty area.
The cross reached Borja Iglesias, who converted the opportunity to bring the hosts back into the match. The goal shifted the momentum and forced Madrid to search for another breakthrough.
Real entered the game dealing with several important absences. Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Eduardo Camavinga were all unavailable because of injuries, leaving the squad short of several regular starters.
The team, managed by Álvaro Arbeloa, had to cope without those players while still attempting to regain form in the title race.
Title race tightens as big fixtures loom
The victory lifted Real to within a single point of Barcelona in the league standings, reducing the gap after a period in which the Madrid club had lost ground in the championship battle.
Barcelona will soon have the chance to respond when they travel to face Athletic Club on Saturday evening. That match could restore a four-point cushion for the Catalan side depending on the result.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid must quickly turn their focus to European competition. The club is set to host Manchester City on Wednesday in the opening leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 encounter.
The dramatic success in Vigo therefore provides momentum ahead of that continental challenge while keeping Madrid firmly involved in the race for the domestic title.