MADRID, May 04 (AFP): Kylian Mbappe struck twice as Real Madrid held off Celta Vigo with a thrilling 3-2 win to stay within sight of La Liga leaders Barcelona.
After the Catalans scraped a comeback win at Valladolid on Saturday, Madrid survived a late Celta fightback to maintain the four-point gap ahead of next Sunday's Clasico.
Defending champions Madrid, second, were left clinging on at the Santiago Bernabeu against a Celta side seventh and hoping to qualify for European football next season.
Madrid's Champions League defence crumbled and Los Blancos were also beaten in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona last week, but Los Blancos are still hopeful of overhauling Hansi Flick's side in La Liga.
Carlo Ancelotti's side came into the game with a spate of defensive injuries but after riding out an early wave of Celta chances took control, with Turkish 20-year-old Arda Guler pulling the strings.
With Rodrygo Goes out with illness the youngster started in his stead and took full advantage.
Guler directed a spectacular overhead effort wide of goal in the opening stages, showing his ambition has no limits.
Former Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso headed just over and then forced a fine save from Thibaut Courtois, as Celta threatened.
Aurelien Tchouameni headed over when well-placed at the other end, as Madrid stifled the visitors.
Madrid opened the scoring through Guler after 33 minutes, when the playmaker cleverly worked some space in the box and then brilliantly curled a strike past the reach of Vicente Guaita.
Mbappe doubled Madrid's lead after 39 minutes at the sharp end of a rapid breakaway.
Courtois saved well from Borja Iglesias and immediately Madrid thrust forward, with Bellingham setting Mbappe free down the right.
Mbappe maintains Real Liga dream in Celta thriller
FE Team | Published: May 04, 2025 23:22:58
Mbappe maintains Real Liga dream in Celta thriller
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