Real Madrid experienced one of their most damaging nights of the season as they fell to a 2-0 home defeat against Celta Vigo in La Liga, ending the match with nine men and inviting even more scrutiny on manager Xabi Alonso. The result continued a worrying run of form for Madrid, who have now won only one of their last five league matches and continue to lose ground in the title race behind Barcelona.
The defeat came at the worst possible time for Madrid, who face Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday. Alonso admitted after the match that the squad was frustrated and disappointed, insisting the team must recover quickly to avoid carrying the negative atmosphere into their crucial European fixture.
Slow First Half Raises Concerns for Madrid
Real Madrid entered the match desperate to regain momentum in La Liga, but the opening 45 minutes showed recurring problems. Real Madrid created several promising chances, with Arda Guler sending a close-range effort wide and Kylian Mbappe lifting a chipped attempt just over the bar. Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior also found opportunities, but Madrid continued to lack composure inside the penalty area. The frustration grew inside the Bernabeu when Eder Militao was forced off with another hamstring concern, adding to Real Madrid’s ongoing defensive injury troubles, especially with Trent Alexander-Arnold already sidelined.
Nine minutes into the second half, Celta Vigo punished Madrid’s wastefulness. An impressive team move saw Bryan Zaragoza deliver a precise cross to Williot Swedberg, who flicked the ball smartly into the bottom corner. The goal stunned Madrid supporters, and the tension around the stadium rose sharply as doubts increased about the team’s recent performances.
Red Cards Lead to Real Madrid Collapse
Just after the hour mark, Madrid’s situation worsened. Fran Garcia received two yellow cards in quick succession, leaving Real Madrid with ten men. Rather than stabilising, Madrid grew more frantic, pushing forward without structure. This led to more stress and defensive openings, which Celta continued to exploit. As Madrid pressed desperately in stoppage time, substitute Alvaro Carreras received two rapid yellow cards, one for dissent and the other for abusive language. Madrid were reduced to nine players, and the evening spiralled further out of control.
Moments after Carreras’ dismissal, Madrid conceded again. Swedberg rounded Thibaut Courtois and calmly walked the ball into the net, sealing a historic result for Celta Vigo. This marked their first league victory over Madrid since 2014, ending a 22-match winless streak. Real Madrid fans expressed their anger loudly as the final whistle blew, with boos echoing through the Bernabeu.
After the defeat, Xabi Alonso openly acknowledged the squad’s disappointment, saying Madrid were angry and did not perform to their expected level. He insisted the team must turn the page quickly, reminding fans that the loss accounted for only three league points. Alonso stressed the need for Madrid to react immediately in the Champions League, where they host Manchester City in a vital fixture.
Pressure Mounts on Alonso
During the week leading up to the match, Alonso had already held internal discussions with club president Florentino Perez about Real Madrid’s recent dip in form. The manager’s frustration on the sideline was evident, as he too was shown a yellow card during the game. Despite the growing concerns, Spanish outlet AS suggests Madrid’s shock loss is unlikely to affect Alonso’s immediate position, although the upcoming match against Manchester City will serve as a significant test.
The defeat leaves Real Madrid four points behind Barcelona in the La Liga standings. With Madrid having won only one of their last five league games, the momentum is slipping at a concerning rate. Real Madrid could even drop to third place if Villarreal win their game in hand. These issues highlight the urgent need for improvement as Real Madrid enter a decisive period of the season.
While Madrid struggled, Manchester City enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sunderland, moving to second place in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola acknowledged the difficulty of playing at the Bernabeu and hopes his team replicate their strong league form on the European stage. Real Madrid, meanwhile, must lift their performance level significantly to avoid another setback in the Champions League.
Madrid’s defeat was not simply the result of missed chances but also a lack of discipline and control. Two red cards, poor finishing, and injuries contributed to a damaging night. Real Madrid must stabilise if they want to compete at the highest level in both La Liga and the Champions League. With expectations always high, Real Madrid now face a defining moment, and the reaction against Manchester City may determine the direction of their season.
FAQs
1. What were the main reasons behind Madrid’s defeat to Celta Vigo?
Real Madrid struggled with poor finishing, rushed decision-making in the final third, and a lack of defensive control. Two red cards created major tactical problems, and Celta Vigo capitalised on Real Madrid’s lack of composure late in the game
2. How many players did Real Madrid have sent off?
Real Madrid finished with nine men after Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras were both dismissed.
3. How will the red cards impact Madrid going forward?
Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras will now miss upcoming league fixtures due to suspension. With injuries already affecting the squad, these absences further limit Real Madrid’s defensive options
3. Are there injury concerns for Real Madrid after this match?
Yes. Eder Militao was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury. Trent Alexander-Arnold also remains sidelined, adding to Real Madrid’s defensive challenges.
4. Who scored the goals against Real Madrid?
Celta Vigo’s Williot Swedberg scored both goals.
5. What is Madrid’s next match?
Real Madrid will face Manchester City in the Champions League in a crucial test for Xabi Alonso’s team.