Real Madrid Keep LaLiga Title Hopes Alive with Thrilling 3-2 Win

Real Madrid kept their LaLiga title hopes alive with a thrilling 3-2 win over Celta Vigo, despite a late fightback from the visitors.

Real Madrid secured a thrilling 3-2 win over Celta Vigo, keeping their LaLiga title hopes alive ahead of the crucial El Clásico match next weekend. This victory marked the team's fourth consecutive league win.

The match began at a frenetic pace, with both teams creating early chances. Marcos Alonso's header was a highlight, requiring a spectacular save from Thibaut Courtois to deny Celta an early advantage.

Real Madrid dominated possession for much of the first half, and their persistence paid off when Arda Güler scored a beautifully struck goal that deflected off Marcos Alonso into the top corner after the half-hour mark.

Just six minutes later, Real doubled their lead in stylish fashion. A smart save from Thibaut Courtois sparked a swift counterattack, which Kylian Mbappé finished clinically, beating Vicente Guaita with a well-placed shot.

Real Madrid appeared to seal the victory shortly after the restart when Arda Güler's precise through ball found Kylian Mbappé, who calmly rolled the ball into the net for his second goal of the match.

🏁 @RealMadridEn 3-2 @RCCeltaEN
⚽ 33' @10ArdaGuler
⚽ 39' @KMbappe
⚽ 48' @KMbappe
⚽ 69' Javi Rodríguez
⚽ 76' Williot
👉 @Emirates pic.twitter.com/F1QWnkcYnh

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 4, 2025

However, Celta Vigo staged a remarkable fightback. Javi Rodríguez scored with a close-range finish, reducing the deficit to two goals with just over 20 minutes remaining. The momentum shifted further in Celta's favor when Iago Aspas set up Williot Swedberg for a perfectly timed run, and Swedberg slotted the ball home, leaving Real's lead precarious.

In a stunning turn of events, Real nearly squandered their advantage when Pablo Durán broke through on goal. His low shot managed to slip under Thibaut Courtois but miraculously stopped just short of crossing the goal line.

Celta Vigo's late surge wasn't enough to overcome the deficit, extending their winless streak against Real Madrid to 16 matches (D3, L16) since their last victory in January 2017. However, this statistic may not weigh heavily on fans, as securing seventh place would mark a return to European football for the first time in nine years.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid's victory has reignited the title race, narrowing the gap to league leaders Barcelona to four points with just four games remaining. The stage is set for an intense El Clásico showdown next weekend.