Real Madrid snatched a dramatic late victory against Celta Vigo on Friday night, with Federico Valverde scoring deep into stoppage time to seal a 2-1 win in an intense La Liga clash at Balaídos.
Madrid came into the match under pressure after back-to-back league defeats, but they started brightly and grabbed the lead early. Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni opened the scoring in the 11th minute, firing a powerful shot into the corner after a clever short-corner routine involving Arda Güler.
The hosts responded strongly and were rewarded in the 25th minute when striker Borja Iglesias finished calmly inside the box following a well-worked move to bring Celta level.
Despite controlling possession for large spells, Madrid struggled to break through Celta’s organized defense. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced into several important saves, while Celta nearly turned the match around when veteran forward Iago Aspas struck the post late in the second half.
Just when the match looked destined for a draw, Madrid produced a moment of magic. In the 94th minute, Federico Valverde unleashed a long-range strike from outside the box that took a deflection and flew into the net, sending the away fans into celebration and securing all three points.
The dramatic win lifts Real Madrid to 63 points and keeps them firmly in the title race as they continue chasing league leaders Barcelona.
For Celta Vigo, it was a painful ending after a spirited performance that pushed the Spanish giants all the way to the final seconds.
Score: Celta Vigo 1-2 Real Madrid
Goals: Tchouaméni (11’), Iglesias (25’), Valverde (90+4’)
