Real Madrid's turbulent season took another dramatic turn on Sunday as they fell 2-0 to Celta Vigo at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, finishing the match with nine players after late red cards to Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras. The shock defeat leaves Xabi Alonso's squad four points behind league leaders Barcelona ahead of Wednesday's crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Manchester City.
Williot Swedberg's second-half brace sealed Celta Vigo's first victory at Bernabeu since 2014, capitalizing on Madrid's defensive disarray compounded by Eder Militao's early injury. The result extends Los Blancos' concerning league form to just one win in their last five matches.
'We must react immediately,' Alonso told reporters post-match. 'The Champions League gives us a chance to reset – this defeat stays here tonight.'
Celta Vigo forward Borja Iglesias praised his team's tactical discipline: 'We read the game perfectly. Against such quality opponents, you need both strategy and courage.'
Elsewhere in La Liga, Espanyol continued their surprising ascent with a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano. Roberto Fernandez's penalty secured their third consecutive win, lifting them to fifth place as dark horses in the European qualification race.
With the Spanish league table tightening, all eyes now turn to Madrid's midweek European test against Manchester City – a match that could define their season's trajectory.
