Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo Match Recap - Dec 7, 2025

Celta Vigo Stuns Real Madrid with a 2-0 Victory at the Bernabéu

Real Madrid's title aspirations took a significant hit as they fell 2-0 to Celta Vigo, marking a shocking upset at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Despite dominating possession and shots, the home side failed to convert their chances, while Williot Swedberg emerged as the unlikely hero for Celta, scoring both goals and sealing the victory in stoppage time.

Real Madrid's recent form suggested they would overpower Celta. With 11 wins from their first 15 matches, they were riding high in second place. Yet, this match exposed cracks in their armor. The team had been struggling to maintain consistency, with three draws in their last five outings. The inability to capitalize on their offensive dominance today-12 total shots compared to Celta's mere 3-highlights a troubling trend. Despite leading in expected goals (xG) with 1.33 to Celta's 0.24, the lack of clinical finishing proved costly.

Celta Vigo's performance was a stark contrast to their recent struggles. Sitting mid-table with only three wins prior to this match, they had been searching for a spark. Today, they found it in Swedberg, who not only scored twice but also showcased a tenacity that had been missing in previous fixtures. His first goal came against the run of play, and the second in stoppage time confirmed Celta's resilience and ability to seize opportunities when they arose.

Defensively, Celta Vigo executed their game plan effectively. They absorbed pressure from Real Madrid's attack, which boasted stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. The visitors managed to limit Real to just five shots on target, with goalkeeper Ionuț Radu making crucial saves that kept his team in the game. This defensive solidity was essential, especially considering Real's recent tendency to concede late goals, as seen in their previous matches.

The red cards issued to Fran García and Álvaro Carreras further complicated matters for Real Madrid. Playing with ten men for a significant portion of the second half disrupted their rhythm and forced them into a more desperate approach. This tactical shift allowed Celta to exploit gaps and ultimately secure their victory.

Celta's midfield, led by Ilaix Moriba, played a pivotal role in controlling the tempo of the game. Their ability to transition quickly from defense to attack caught Real off guard multiple times. The visitors' strategy of soaking up pressure and countering effectively paid dividends, showcasing a tactical maturity that has often eluded them this season.

Real Madrid's reliance on individual brilliance was evident today. Despite dominating possession with 63%, they struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized Celta defense. The absence of creativity from midfielders like Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni was glaring, as they failed to unlock Celta's backline consistently. This match serves as a wake-up call for manager Xabier Alonso Olano, who must reassess his tactics moving forward.

Celta Vigo's victory not only boosts their confidence but also provides a much-needed lift in the standings. With this win, they move closer to mid-table safety, while Real Madrid must regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture against Alaves. The stakes are high for both teams; for Real, it's about maintaining pressure on league leaders, while Celta aims to build momentum and escape the relegation battle.

The narrative of this match is one of missed opportunities for Real Madrid and a testament to Celta Vigo's resilience. As the season progresses, both teams will need to adapt and evolve based on today's lessons. For Real Madrid, the challenge lies in rediscovering their attacking edge; for Celta Vigo, it's about harnessing this victory as a springboard for future success.