Real Madrid annihilated the 17th-placed Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu over the weekend, further asserting their dominance at the top of the table. This was a much-awaited performance after an unconvincing display against RB Leipzig.
Starting the game with a 4-3-1-2 formation, Real Madrid dominated the initial minutes and soon Vinícius Júnior opened the scoring in the 21st minute, increasing his tally to 16 goals this season – with 10 of them coming in La Liga.
The Merengues could have scored more than just 1 in the first half, but the Celta goalkeeper Vicente Guaita proved to be an immovable object.
The men in white extended their lead in the second half, as a thunderous header from Antonio Rüdiger ricocheted off the crossbar, hit the back of Guaita, and ended up in the back of the net.
In the 88th minute, Carlos Dominguez ended up putting the ball in his own net following a cross from Vinícius, making the scoreline 3-0
The icing on the cake was Arda Güler who scored his first goal for the club in stoppage time from a precise pass by Dani Ceballos. This was a moment the Turk and many Madridistas awaited.
Luka Modrić was involved in the first two goals as they came from a corner delivered by him. The Croatian did not put a foot wrong throughout the night and if he continues to perform the same way, Los Blancos may be eager to offer him another contract renewal.
Celta Vigo’s back 5 were at times clueless against the Madrid attack with Los Blancos taking 25 shots out of which 13 were on target. Captain Iago Aspas was the only player who seemed a bit threatening as the visiting side had just 1 shot on target out of 11.
For Real Madrid, although it was a near-perfect game, the team would expect Rodrygo to put on his scoring shoes sooner rather than later because apart from the run he had from November till the end of the Spanish Super Cup, the Brazilian has scored just a 1 goal and assisted the same amount in 11 games.
Despite Rodrygo still making some eye-catching runs and also creating chances, he would want to be involved more on the attacking front – before it is too late.
Meanwhile, this victory takes Real Madrid 7 points clear of 2nd-placed Girona who won their fixture on this matchday as well.
The Bernabeu faithful and fans around the world would be delighted to see such a performance in Jude Bellingham’s absence who has proven to be a mainstay in the attack throughout the season.
Ancelotti’s men can bask in the glory for a while before they travel to Pamplona to take on Osasuna in what may be a tricky fixture. Following this fixture, players will join their national teams before returning to club duty on 31st March.