Real Madrid - Celta Vigo summary: score, goals & highlights, LaLiga EA Sports

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Joe

Madrid continue at the top:

The statement win keeps Madrid's lead at the top to 7 points, with both Girona and Barcelona doing all they can to keep up.

Here's how things look for Celta:

It's not great viewing for Celta fans as they are now just 2 points above Cádiz, who have much more momentum.

Full-time thoughts:

In the end, Real Madrid's quality was simply too much for Celta Vigo, who never looked like threatening their opponents at any point in the game and are now perilously close to the relegation zone.

Perhaps given the Cádiz win over Atlético, we might have expected more of a reaction from Rafa Benítez's side, but they never got into the game and Madrid dominated from the beginning.

Vini Jr got a goal in the first half but Guaita was the reason it was not more as the goalkeeper was routinely called upon to dig Celta out.

The second half saw the away side try to press Madrid, but it only opened up space to counter and from then, Ancelotti's side were in full party mode.

The goals began to fly in and Rüdiger took to the sky to crash a header past Guaita before the goalkeeper's luck ran out and he caused Domínguez to put the ball in his own net to make it 3-0.

Changes were made by Ancelotti and the two substitutes - Güler and Ceballos - combined to get the final goal in the final minute, with the Turk latching onto a Ceballos pass through the Celta defence and slotting home to seal the result.

FULL-TIME!

A resounding win for Real Madrid who were simply too good for Celta Vigo.

A quick free-kick is taken and Dani Ceballos slides in Arda Güler who takes it around the goalkeeper and into the net!

Madrid are keeping the ball as Celta try to keep their momentum and energy levels up to chase the white shirts.

4 added minutes.

Madrid subs:

OFF: Camavinga, Vini Jr

ON: Güler, Ceballos

We're back underway.

Vini Jr cuts in from the left and sends a cross to the far post.

Both Guaita and Domínguez go for the ball, with the defender expecting the goalkeeper to clear, it flies off him and into the goal!

Arda Güler is about to come on for the home side, as is Dani Ceballos.

BIG CHANCE. Another Madrid counter cuts through Celta, with Lucas Vázquez providing a sly ball towards Joselu who sees his shot saved from close range.

Aspas goes for goal from distance but his effort crashes into the chest of Tchouaméni, who stands strong.

Celta change:

OFF: Larsen

ON: Douvikas

Madrid changes:

OFF: Brahim, Modric

ON: Tchouaméni, Kroos

Manquillo is booked for a foul on Modric.

We're back underway and Madrid have that much-needed cushion.

I have a feeling it will get given as an own goal. Sorry, Antonio.

Rüdiger rises highest and crashes a header off the crossbar that bounces down, hits Guaita's back and flies into the back of the net!

Vini Jr is brought down by Unai Núñez after the Brazilian tries an outrageous overhead flick in the corner.

Madrid play on and Brahim sees his shot blocked inside the box.

More changes for Celta:

OFF: Mingueza, Beltrán

ON: Sotelo, Domínguez 

Aspas wins his side a corner after seeing his cross from the right deflected behind by Mendy.

OVER THE BAR. Joselu gets his first touch of the game: a header over the bar from Modric's corner.

Fifteen minutes to go... With the score still 1-0, we have entered the 'could they?' time for Celta.

Real Madrid change:

OFF: Rodrygo

ON: Joselu

CHANCE. Brahim sees his shot from inside the box well blocked. 

How did he get up the other end so quickly, I hear you ask.

The answer: Federico Valverde.

Larsen and Aspas link up on the edge of the box, showing us what they can do when given the service. Modric steps in and takes the ball away.

Toni Kroos has just started to warm up on the sidelines.

We're into the final 20 minutes...

SAVE! It's a carbon copy of the previous chance, just with Vini shooting centrally at Guaita instead of Rodrygo.

Celta push forward and their attack comes to nothing - it's like watching them try to set fire to a wet paper bag - and Madrid counter, only to waste the chance.

SAVE! A deadly counter attack from Los Blancos sliced through Celta like a lightsaber through a mouse brain but Rodrygo's shot was straight at Guaita.

We're not quite there just yet, but the longer this game goes on 1-0, the more the worry levels will rise.

There's always the chance that Celta come back into it from nothing if Madrid fail to capitalise on the dominance.

Some intricate passing from Madrid doesn't quite come off but the Bernabéu crowd appreciate the talent shown from Modric, who orchestrated the move.

Manquillo brings down Vinicius and the crowd want a booking for the former Newcastle defender.

Celta have moved into something more akin to a back four with Óscar Mingueza playing as a right-sided midfiedler.

Celta changes:

OFF: Bamba, Sánchez

ON: Allende, Cervi

WIDE. Valverde fizzes a low drive from distance towards the far post that skims the post on its way past.

SAVE. A delightful set of horizontal passes between Brahim and Vini Jr end with a shot from the ex-City man that is saved by Guaita.

Another foul is given for Real Madrid. This time it's Nuñez who brings down Modric near halfway.

Real Madrid have a free-kick close to the left corner of the box. Modric and Brahim are over the ball...

Mingueza is booked for pulling Vini Jr's shirt as the winger threatens to break away.

CHANCE. Larsen gets the ball inside the box after a wonderful move from Celta but his shot is blocked from a few yards out.

Valverde brings down Mingueza on halfway and Luka Modric storms over to the referee for a strong word.

Mendy gets in front of Larsen as the ball is played in behind but that was a delightful sequence of play from the away side to move through the thirds and Madrid need to be careful that they don't give them that much space again.

Luca beats Luka and Celtaattack with Bamba, who plays across to Migueza. 

Larsen runs in behind but the pass through Madrid's defence is just too heavy and Lunin slides out to collect.

This might be the first game of the season that Madrid haven't missed Toni Kroos' presence in the middle of the pitch.

Celta are immediately pressing Real Madrid more aggressively as Los Blancos look to work the ball out from the back.

And we're underway for the second half!

No changes for either side.

Bellingham is here!

The Englishman was never going to miss the game!

The players are in the tunnel ahead of the second half...

We're almost ready to go!

Camavinga's been a busy man

He's had a strong half that's seen him pop in up front of goal. 

Half-time thoughts:

OK, it seems Camavinga was not sent off, despite some confusion.

Real Madrid have been hugely dominant in all aspects of the game, and Celta have looked entirely toothless from minute one.

Vini Jr's tap in has Madrid ahead, but if they continue creating as many chances as we've already seen, it won't stay the same score for much longer...

HALF-TIME!

The whistles are deafening as we head into the break. The referee is not a popular man after giving a late booking to Camavinga.

OVER THE BAR. Luca de la Torre heads just over!!!

Celta have a free-kick on the left side of the box...

1 added minute.

Camavinga stands on Beltrán's foot and the Frenchman avoids a booking. It was completely accidental but perhaps the midfielder is lucky there.

We're into the final minute of the half as Celta enjoy some relaxed possession around halfway.

...and the Brazilian loses the ball, allowing Celta to come forward and have a breather in the Madrid half.

Vini has moved over to the right for some fun...

Valverde tries with all his might to prob the ball past Starfelt (who has had a very good game).

He tries, tries and tries again but the defender won't give up and he eventually clears the ball away from the danger zone.

Five to go of normal time.

CHANCE. And it's for Celta! Manu Sánchez fires at goal and it's well blocked by Lucas before Lunin is forced into action from Aspas' effort inside the box.

SAVE. It's Camavinga again from distance. His touch across his body opens up the angle to swing a left leg at the ball: Guaita dives to his right and catches the effort.

Pass, pass, pass, pass... Real Madrid are dominating proceedings as they tap the ball around, probing for an opening like inquisitive aliens.

SAVE. A high turnover for Real Madrid almost ends in a goal as Vini Jr slips in Rodrygo who smacks the ball low and into the foot of Guaita.

Madrid come close as Brahim slides a nice pass through to Vini Jr, who cuts across the front line. Starfelt follows the Brazilian and shepherds him out of the danger zone.

There's a shout for a penalty for Los Blancos as Brahim goes down from a Starfelt challenge.

The VAR take a little look but quickly decide that there is no case to be had.

Bamba screeches a token effort of a shot way over the bar.

CHANCE. Vini Jr chips a strange cross from left to right and Guaita's failed attempt at punching away almost sees the ball drop with Rodrygo.

Fortunately for Celta, the Brazilian was not expecting the ball and it whizzed past him and out of play.

I have to say, Celta have looked pretty toothless so far...

CHANCE. Camavinga runs parallel to the edge of the box and drags a shot towards the near post that fizzes a few inches wide.

Luca de la Torre swipes at Camavinga as the Frenchman breaks away and that's the easiest booking the Señor Referee will ever give.

Madrid immediately pin Celta back as they look for goal number two.

Back underway. Party at the Bernabéu.

Modric swings in the corner that is thundered towards goal by Rüdiger. The German sees his shot saved and Vini gets the rebound - that is also saved!

However, at the third attempt, it's one miracle two many for Guaita and Vini taps home.

Celta are managing to find spaces as they launch counter-attacks, but for now Madrid are having no problems in sweeping up their attempts to creep closer to goal.

Real Madrid get a much-deserved applause from the crowd after some nice possession ends in a spooned clearance from a Celta defender that almost looks like it could spin its way into the goal. The Galicians survive.

Ancelotti's not happy at Madrid's relaxed attitude as their opponents ping the ball around the back.

He wants a high block and rampant pressing, but I'm not sure how much juice is in the Madrid legs for that...

This is Celta's best spell of possession so far: they've got Madrid camping in their defensive half and look solid as they ping the ball from right to left.

CHANCE. Madrid look lethal and Valverde smashes in a low cross from the right that makes contact with 300 feet inside the box and somehow gets fired up the pitch and away from goal.

Brahim's not a happy bunny rabbit after he thinks he's brought down by Iago Aspas on halfway as he attempts to mount an attack.

It looks like Benítez hand signals have worked, as Celta are seeing more of the ball after the early onslaught and are pushing Madrid back.

Celta come forward and Beltrán drags a shot wide from distance. No danger to Lunin.

Rafa Benítez, in case you were wondering, is exactly the same as he always has been.

He's stood right on the edge of his technical area and is flicking his hands around, rotating his wrists to his players like a New York rapper stood in front of a microphone.

BIG CHANCE. Camavinga heads Modric's cross just over the bar. A fantastic chance.

We're just over 5 minutes in and Real Madrid are already having lots of fun like bubble-blowing dolphins. Modric is everywhere and the flicks and tricks are already on show.

Real Madrid turn up the energy levels to 15 and Vini bursts down the left before Modric does the same moments later. Both crosses are cleared, but Celta heart rates are climbing...

CHANCE. Rodrygo receives a sly pass inside from Lucas on the right and races down the channel.

He gets all the way to the by-line before Starfelt comes over to smash the ball behind for a corner.

The first shot of the game comes from Camavinga, who whips a curled effort from the centre channel towards Guaita, which is saved.

Madrid have their two wingers - Vinicius and Rodrygo - incredibly wide as a Modric/Brahim mix float in the central spaces. 

Madrid start with the ball and as you might expect, it's puppet master Luka Modric pulling the strings from the off.

AND WE'RE OFF!

(We had a small delay as the Real Madrid basketball team wandered onto the pitch)

Rafa Benítez is the Celta manager

Yes, theRafa Benítez is the Celta Vigo coach this season. While it's been a tough campaign, the Spaniard certainly knows how to get the best out of a team.

Who's the ref?

Mario Melero López is the official for the game today. Let's hope he has a quiet game with no issues whatsoever...

Here come the teams!

Both sides are on the pitch and we're almost ready for kick-off!

Five minutes to go!

The first few substitutes and members of the coaching staff are making their way down the tunnel as wewait for the 22 players to come out of the dressing rooms.

Here's a snippet of the warmups!

The ground is now full to the rafters!

Did you know?

Real Madrid have gone 21 games without losing!

Will today be the day for Celta to spring a surprise?

A final reminder of the starting XIs:

REAL MADRID

Lunin; Lucas, Nacho, Rüdiger, Mendy; Valverde, Modric, Camavinga, Brahim; Vini Jr, Rodrygo

CELTA VIGO

Guaita; Manquillo, Starfelt, Unal, Sánchez, Mingueza; Beltrán, Luca, Bamba; Aspas, Larsen

FIFTEEN MINUTES TO GO!

The teams have finished their warmups and are making their way down the tunnel ahead of kick-off!

Who to watch: Brahim Díaz

The forward is making his 11th start of the season for Real Madrid and I think it's safe to say that he's impressed more than many expected in the games that he has seen minutes. 

The big debate in Spain is whether Brahim will play for Spain or Morocco, as he's eligible for both, but we will have to wait and see what happens.

LALIGA EA SPORTS

Why is Jude Bellingham not playing for Real Madrid against Celta Vigo in LaLiga?

Real Madrid’s top scorer Jude Bellingham was not included in Carlo Ancelotti’s match day 28 squad for their LaLiga game against Celta de Vigo.

The Englishman has played 22 games so far for LosBlancos and has scored 16goals in what is turning out to be a stellar debut season in the Spanish capital.

However, for today's game against Celta Vigo, he was not permitted to be part of Ancelotti’s squad.

On match day 27, Real Madrid drew 2-2 with Valencia at Mestalla in a fiery game that saw the away side need to come back from 2-0 down to secure a draw. In the dying moments of the tie, Jude Bellingham scored the winning goal with seconds to spare.

Or so he thought....

Ancelotti “not affected” by tax fraud accusations

The Italian coach spoke about the recent allegations of tax fraud, saying he was "not affected" and that the problem was easily solved.

Weather check:

We've had around 15 types of weather over the past couple of days in the Spanish capital leading up to the game, with the sun shining before rain, hail, wind and more.

The roof of the Bernabéu will be closed for the game - for the first time in LaLiga - and it's probably for the best.

HALF AN HOUR TO GO!

Both teams are on the pitch for the pre-game warmups ahead of kick-off as the fans find their seats!

Look away, Real Madrid fans...

The last time Los Blancos came into a match day with Y-3 branding, they played Barcelona at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.

Luka Modric started as a false-9 as Madrid wore a one-off black shirt. Barcelona wore yellow and won 0-4.

A reminder of the starting XIs:

If you've just joined us, here's how the two teams line up:

REAL MADRID

Lunin; Lucas, Nacho, Rüdiger, Mendy; Valverde, Modric, Camavinga, Brahim; Vini Jr, Rodrygo

CELTA VIGO

Guaita; Manquillo, Starfelt, Unal, Sánchez, Mingueza; Beltrán, Luca, Bamba; Aspas, Larsen

Carlo Ancelotti pre-game quotes:

Madrid arrive at the Bernabéu!

Los Blancos have arrived at the stadium in their fancy Adidas Y3 gear.

Real Madrid have a title race to win

As you can see from the Opta table, Real Madrid are in the strongest position - in terms of probabilities - to win the league title come the end of the season.

However, it looks like it won't be a straight walk to the trophy, as Girona continue to pick up points, as do Barcelona, despite both sides not going through the best and most scintillating veins of form we've seen.

SOCCER

Real Madrid - Celta: how to watch on TV, stream online | LaLiga

Here’s all the information you need to know on how to watch ‘Los Blancos’ take on the Galician side at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.

CELTA VIGO XI REVEALED

Iago Aspas leads the line as Celta look for a magic moment at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Jude Bellingham meets club great Zidane

The current number 5 met the player who made the number famous in the modern era: Bellingham and Zizou participated in a promotional video for the club that was published last week.

The calm before the storm

Here's how things look before the fans waiting outside are let in - that's when the madness will begin!

Celta team news

Aidoo, Ristic, Tapia and Dotor are all out for Celta de Vigo while Swedberg is a doubt ahead of kick-off.

Madrid to wear their usual kit today

We saw Madrid wearing last season's kitin their most recent LaLiga game against Valencia and many fans wondered if the recent Y-3 collaboration was going to spring a surprise with a new shirt.

We've not got one (yet) but I'm not complaining, as their current strip is a wonderful one.

How things look for Celta:

Cádiz beat Atlético Madrid 2-0 yesterday meaning they are just 2 points from safety and the need of a win for Celta increased ten-fold as the final whistle blew in southern Spain. 

The recent 2-2 draw between Celta and Cádiz seemed like a result that pleased nobody and Celta’s win over Almería last week gave them hope, but the water is rising and the Galicians need to find form from somewhere.

How things look for Ancelotti and Madrid:

Los Blancos, despite my earlier questioning, are indeed at the top of the table in Spain and look like the clear favourites for the title.

Barcelona continue to gain points despite not convincing and that’s come with Girona’s wobble, meaning there’s certainly a battle for second. 

No team news yet for the away side

While we don't have any team news for the Galician side, we can tell you that they'll be wearing their red away strip, as the blue clashes with Madrid's all-white.

REAL MADRID XI REVEALED

Real Madrid start with Modric and Brahim in midfield, resting Bellingham (suspended) and Kroos.

Real Madrid team news

Apart from the usual trio of Courtois, Militão and Alaba, Real Madrid are without Jude Bellingham, who was a naughty boy against Valencia and received a red card for shouting bad words at the Señor referee.

Celta on the edge

Do you sit still holding your breath and hope the water doesn’t rise or kick your legs wildly, hoping that pushes you upwards, despite the risk of something taking advantage of the madness and grabbing you from below.

That’s quite a dramatic analogy of Celta’s season but looking at the league table instils a sense of fear and desperation into the reader.

Are they going down? Surely they’re too good? The match days are ticking off, however, and the Galicians still remain towards the wrong end of the division.

Can anyone stop them?

Madrid are flying, squeezing and hot-stepping through the season and one never quite knows which version of events to believe.

Are they good? Yes. Are they one of Europe’s best? Potentially. Should Leipzig have beaten them and knocked them out of the Champions League Round of 16? Quite possibly.

Whatever the answers are to the questions, Real Madrid are top of LaLiga and continue to push their way through the season towards the trophy. 

Everyone will need a good rest when it’s over but for now, they must continue to squeeze out every ounce of juice from the squad as the games come clattering towards them. We can decide later just how good they actually are.

We should have kick-off in around an hour from now.

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to the ASUSAlive coverage of the LaLiga game between Real Madrid and Celta Vigo.

It's Joe here to guide you through the action as it happens.