Real Madrid secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo in the opening match of the 27th round of the 2026 La Liga season.
The pressure was immense on Real Madrid to avoid a third consecutive league defeat for the first time since 2008, knowing that anything less than a win would give Barcelona complete control of the title race.
Aureline Tchouaméni gave Real Madrid an early lead in the 11th minute with a powerful shot from inside the penalty area, but the lead lasted only a quarter of an hour before Borja Iglesias equalized for the home side in the 25th minute, converting a cross.
فالفيردي يسجل هدف الفوز للفريق الملكي في الوقت القاتل! 😮⚽️#الدوري_الإسباني pic.twitter.com/PVKmZyaKpf
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) March 6, 2026
Just when it seemed that Los Blancos’ title hopes were fading as Celta Vigo struggled to break out of their own half, Real Madrid delivered a decisive blow in the dying moments of the match.
Substitute Manuel Ángel cleverly intercepted the ball in the Celta Vigo penalty area, passing it to Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right wing. After his cross was cleared to the edge of the box, Fede Valverde pounced and unleashed a powerful shot that deflected off a Celta Vigo defender and into the net.
These three valuable points were secured by manager Álvaro Arbeloa under such circumstances, reducing Real Madrid’s gap with Barcelona to just one point ahead of the Catalan club’s upcoming match against Athletic Bilbao.
