Real Madrid’s difficult run of form worsened on Sunday night as the Spanish giants suffered a 2–0 home defeat to Celta Vigo in a fiery La Liga encounter that saw the hosts finish with nine men.
Williot Swedberg delivered a stunning second-half brace for Celta, punishing a Madrid side that struggled creatively and emotionally in front of an anxious Santiago Bernabéu crowd.
The loss leaves Real Madrid four points behind league leaders Barcelona as the title race tightens.
Madrid’s Troubles Deepen
Manager Xabi Alonso rotated his squad ahead of Wednesday’s crucial UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester City, opting to rest Antonio Rüdiger.
However, that plan quickly collapsed when Eder Militão limped off midway through the first half, forcing Rüdiger into action earlier than expected.
Madrid carved out early chances through Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Arda Güler, but Celta goalkeeper Ionuț Radu repeatedly denied the hosts with sharp reactions and confident positioning.
Celta remained compact defensively, frustrating the usually prolific attacking trio of Mbappé, Vinícius, and Güler, who were kept away from dangerous areas for long spells.
Celta Strike and Madrid Unravel
The visitors broke the deadlock shortly after the interval when Bryan Zaragoza’s delivery from the left was expertly flicked into the net by Swedberg, leaving Thibaut Courtois helpless.
Madrid’s response was hampered by a growing list of setbacks.
Bellingham briefly required treatment after a clash left him bleeding from a facial cut.
Moments later, full-back Fran García received two yellow cards in quick succession, reducing Madrid to ten men.
Despite late chances from Mbappé and substitute Gonzalo García, frustration boiled over in stoppage time.
Young defender Álvaro Carreras was sent off for dissent, leaving Madrid with nine players on the pitch.
Celta sealed the victory in added time when Swedberg rounded Courtois and calmly slotted home his second goal to complete a memorable night for the Galician side.