Real Madrid reconciled with its supporters by securing a comfortable victory over Celta Vigo, re-establishing a seven-point lead at the summit of the Spanish league on Sunday.
Vinícius Júnior netted his third goal in four games as Madrid cruised to a 4-0 triumph, a welcome response after consecutive draws that included a lackluster showing against Leipzig in the Champions League, which had prompted dissatisfaction from the home fans at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
“We improved in attitude and intensity. It wasn’t too hard to do better than we did on Wednesday,” remarked Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. “We’re happy, focused, and motivated because it’s an important stage of the season. At Real Madrid, a draw is the first step toward a crisis.”
Madrid had drawn four of its last seven matches in all competitions, though they managed to progress to the quarterfinals of the Champions League despite a subpar performance in a 1-1 draw against Leipzig.
Defender Antonio Rüdiger played a pivotal role, setting up two goals on Sunday, while Turkey international Arda Güler marked his scoring debut with Madrid. Additionally, the hosts benefited from two own goals.
The victory ensured Madrid maintained their lead at the top following second-place Girona’s 2-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday and third-place Barcelona’s 1-0 victory against Mallorca on Friday. Barcelona, the reigning champions, trail Madrid by eight points with 10 rounds remaining.
Madrid remains undefeated at the Bernabeu this season, boasting 15 wins and three draws in 18 matches. Their last home defeat was in April 2023 against Villarreal. Moreover, they are unbeaten in the league for 22 consecutive matches, since a 3-1 loss at Atlético Madrid.
Celta Vigo managed only one attempt on target in their eighth consecutive defeat to Madrid. Rafa Benítez’s team sits just outside the relegation zone, two points clear of danger.
“We were playing against the best team in the league, and we were in it until the 79th minute,” Benítez said. “Things could have gone differently.”
Vinícius broke the deadlock from close range following a powerful header by Rüdiger in the 21st minute. Madrid extended their lead with own-goals by goalkeeper Vicente Guaita in the 79th minute and defender Carlos Domínguez in the 88th minute. Guaita’s own-goal occurred after Rüdiger’s header rebounded off the crossbar and struck the goalkeeper’s back.
Nineteen-year-old midfielder Güler, who replaced Vinícius in the 89th minute, netted his first goal for Madrid four minutes into stoppage time.
Vinícius was involved in another incident, pushing Óscar Mingueza to the ground after the Celta defender held his jersey to halt a breakaway. Ancelotti defended Vinícius during the week, stating he is “poorly treated.”
“The referee’s decision was correct and they both got yellow cards,” Ancelotti stated. “Vinícius was a bit frustrated and that’s to be expected.”
Luka Modric, who hasn’t been a regular starter this season, made his 350th appearance for Madrid. The hosts were without England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who served the first of a two-game suspension.
