Mbappé Brace Lifts Real Madrid to 3–2 Win Over Celta Vigo, Keeps La Liga Hopes Alive
Kylian Mbappé struck twice as Real Madrid edged past Celta Vigo with a thrilling 3–2 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, keeping their La Liga title hopes alive ahead of next weekend’s crucial El Clásico showdown.
After league leaders Barcelona narrowly defeated Valladolid on Saturday, second-placed Madrid needed all three points to maintain the four-point gap. They delivered, though not without a tense finish.
The match began with Real under pressure from a determined Celta side, who are currently fighting for European qualification. Madrid, missing several key defenders and Rodrygo through illness, relied on the creativity of young Turkish star Arda Güler—who stepped up in commanding fashion.
Güler opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a composed finish after crafting space in the box and curling home a precise shot past Vicente Guaita. Six minutes later, a lightning counter-attack led by Jude Bellingham set up Mbappé, who fired home with clinical precision to double Madrid’s lead.
The French forward added his second—and 24th league goal of the season—early in the second half after a superb through ball from Güler. Mbappé’s low left-footed strike appeared to have sealed the game for the hosts.
However, Celta were not done. Javier Rodríguez pounced on a loose ball after a controversial corner to pull one back, and substitute Iago Aspas injected further urgency into Celta’s attack. He laid off a fine assist for Williot Swedberg to score their second, setting up a nervy final stretch for Madrid.
Thibaut Courtois nearly gifted Celta an equalizer when a late shot slipped from his grasp and trickled dangerously toward goal before stopping just short of the line.
Despite the late scare, Real Madrid held firm to claim the victory and stay in contention for the league title. A loss or draw would have given Barcelona the chance to clinch La Liga next week with a win in El Clásico.
The result provides a much-needed lift for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who have seen their Champions League and Copa del Rey campaigns end in disappointment. With Mbappé in red-hot form and Güler shining in midfield, Madrid still have everything to play for in the season’s final stretch.
