In a surprising twist in La Liga action, Real Madrid faced a stunning 2-0 defeat against Celta Vigo, concluding the match with only nine players. Swedish substitute Williot Swedberg emerged as the hero for Celta, scoring a remarkable brace that shocked the Santiago Bernabéu crowd and left Madrid grappling with mounting pressure as they anticipate a crucial Champions League clash with Manchester City. This match not only highlights Celta’s upward trajectory but also raises questions about Real Madrid’s current form and strategy.
In a surprising turn of events at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid suffered a disappointing 2-0 loss to Celta Vigo in their latest La Liga encounter. The match proved to be particularly challenging for Madrid, who finished with just nine players after two crucial red cards. Swedish substitute Williot Swedberg was the standout performer, scoring an audacious goal and sealing the game with a second strike in stoppage time.
Swedberg opened the scoring in the 53rd minute with a clever flick of his heel that redirected a low cross from Bryan Zaragoza past Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois. He then sealed the victory with a second goal just three minutes into added time, skillfully maneuvering around Courtois to finish with ease. This victory propelled Celta Vigo from 14th to 10th place in the league standings, while Real Madrid’s loss marked the end of their perfect home record for the season.
Real Madrid’s current form has sparked concern among fans, as the team has now won only one of their last five league matches. Manager Xabi Alonso decided to rest key defender Antonio Rudiger, starting Alvaro Carreras in defense. However, Rudiger was called into action midway through the first half after Eder Militao was forced off due to injury.
Celta goalkeeper Ionut Radu played a pivotal role, making several crucial saves to deny Real Madrid’s attackers, including Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler. Madrid struggled to break down Celta’s well-organized defense, which effectively neutralized their star forwards, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
Despite glimpses of attacking promise, including Guler’s missed opportunity early in the match, Madrid could not capitalize on their chances. Following Swedberg’s first goal, the situation worsened for Real as Fran Garcia received two yellow cards within a minute, reducing them to ten men. In stoppage time, Carreras was dismissed for dissent, leaving Madrid in disarray.
As the match concluded, Celta Vigo secured their victory after Swedberg expertly rounded Courtois to score his second goal. Celta’s striker Borja Iglesias remarked on his team’s strong defensive performance, emphasizing the challenges posed by Madrid’s quality players, while also acknowledging the peculiar ending of the game marked by several stoppages and fouls.
In the aftermath, Alonso expressed his disappointment with his team’s intensity and decision-making, lamenting their inability to perform better when reduced to ten players. He stressed the importance of moving on quickly, as the loss accounts for only three points in a long season.
This unexpected defeat leaves Los Blancos with much to ponder as they gear up for their next challenge against Manchester City in the Champions League, aiming to reclaim their form and identity in high-stakes matches ahead.
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