- Real Madrid beats Celta 4-0
- Two own goals help victory
- Vinicius, Guler score, extend lead
Real Madrid reclaimed its seven-point advantage atop La Liga standings with a comfortable 4-0 home victory over struggling Celta Vigo, aided by two own goals.
On Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu, Vinicius Junior converted a rebound from Antonio Rudiger’s second-timed header midway through the first half. However, a Celta side coached by former Madrid manager Rafa Benitez collapsed late.
Rudiger scored an own goal with eleven minutes remaining when his second header collided with the bar, deflected off Celta custodian Vicente Guaita, and crossed the line. This secured the victory for the hosts.
Then, Carlos Dominguez and Guaita became confused, with the defender attempting to deflect a playful cross from Vinicius into his net.
Arda Guler, a Turkish superstar whose injury-ravaged debut season in Spain was interrupted in stoppage time, scored in extra time as Carlo Ancelotti’s side overcame the absence of the suspended Jude Bellingham.
“I am extremely content and striving to do my best. The upcoming excellent games are the most anticipated portion of the season, and I wish to continue in this fashion. “Being somewhat injury-free, which has been a minor setback for me this season,” Vinicius told Real Madrid TV.
Bellingham, who has amassed 16 goals for the league this season, observed from the seats that an appeal against the England international’s two-match suspension for last weekend’s red card against Valencia was denied.
Despite Madrid’s lackluster performance in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against RB Leipzig, they advanced 2-1 on aggregate to the Champions League quarterfinals.
Vinicius becomes agitated
In that contest, Vinicius was ejected due to an altercation with an opponent. On Sunday, the Brazilian once more encountered disfavor when he belligerently confronted Oscar Mingueza following a few sardonic twists on Vinicius’ shirt.
“The incident was extremely abhorrent.” The referee made the correct decision to penalize both players. “It is normal for a little frustration to have arisen regarding Vini,” explained Ancelotti.
“What I discuss with him remains private between us.” We have discussed this matter and intend to continue doing so. “This is not solely Vini’s concern.”
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Despite losing three of their last five league games and falling behind second-placed Girona in points, Madrid had recently made progress in closing the gap as the improbable title quest of the surprise challengers waned.
At this time, Madrid has gone 22 games without a loss in La Liga and is eight points ahead of reigning champions Barcelona, who are tied for third place with Girona.
Ancelotti stated, “It wasn’t that difficult to perform better than on Wednesday.” “We got off to a good start, capitalized on the set pieces to gain the upper hand, and then completed the task.
“We are content, motivated, and focused because this is a critical phase of the season. “A draw is the initial step towards a crisis for Real Madrid.”
Celta maintain their seventeenth position, two points clear of the relegation zone.
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