Real Madrid beat Celta Vigo to close on Barcelona with Valverde late goal | Football News
Federico Valverde Scores Late as Real Madrid Defeats Celta Vigo 2-1 in La Liga
Federico Valverde’s deflected shot four minutes into injury time secured a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid against Celta Vigo in La Liga on Friday, reviving the team’s title aspirations following two consecutive defeats.
Aurelien Tchouameni opened the scoring for Real Madrid in the 11th minute, but Celta Vigo equalized shortly thereafter through Borja Iglesias. Iglesias leveled the match in the 25th minute after Williot Swedberg delivered a low cross from the left side.
Celta Vigo’s goal was set up in part due to a defensive lapse by Trent Alexander-Arnold, who lost possession before Iglesias cut inside to assist with a perfect layoff.
Despite fielding a squad missing nine players due to injury and suspension, Real Madrid controlled much of the second half. Vinicius Junior recorded the team’s first shot on target since the first half in the 57th minute, a low drive that tested Celta’s goalkeeper.
As the match neared its conclusion, substitute Iago Aspas threatened for Celta, hitting the post in the 88th minute. Moments later, Valverde attempted a long-range shot that deflected off a defender, leaving the goalkeeper wrong-footed.
The match featured a tense moment as players and fans awaited a potential review for a foul in the buildup to Valverde’s goal, but the referee allowed the play to stand. The atmosphere shifted dramatically as the final whistle blew just seconds later, eliciting a mix of relief from Real Madrid and frustration from Celta Vigo.
“It hurts because it was right at the death,” Iglesias commented regarding the late concession.
With the victory, Real Madrid remains firmly in the title race, sitting just one point behind leaders Barcelona, who have 64 points and will face Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. Celta sits sixth in the standings with 40 points.
