Real Madrid suffered a disappointing 2–0 defeat against Celta Vigo on Sunday night at the Santiago Bernabéu in a match filled with intensity, injuries, and late drama.
The night began with Real Madrid players stepping onto the field wearing their new Marvel collaboration kit, adding excitement to the atmosphere before kickoff. Fans were eager to welcome the team back to the Bernabéu after a long wait.
Real Madrid started the match with a 4-1-4-1 formation. The attacking lineup remained unchanged, while several adjustments were made in defense, including Asencio, Militão, Carreras, and Fran García.
The first half began with Celta controlling possession early on. Both teams showed strong defensive organization, although Real Madrid looked more dangerous going forward. Celta created an important opportunity in the 7th minute, but Carreras made an excellent defensive intervention to stop the attack.
Arda Güler produced Real Madrid’s first real chance of the night in the 15th minute with a dangerous shot toward goal. A few minutes later, Celta threatened once again, and during the defensive action Militão suffered an injury while attempting to stop the attack. The Brazilian defender left the pitch to a standing ovation from the Bernabéu crowd, with Rüdiger replacing him.
Jude Bellingham’s presence was once again vital for Real Madrid, controlling the midfield and creating several dangerous moments during the first 30 minutes. Güler continued to impress offensively, forcing goalkeeper Radu into an excellent save with a direct effort on goal. He nearly scored again in the 38th minute, missing the target by only a small margin.
Celta also came close to scoring before halftime through Duran, whose dangerous chance in the 41st minute was stopped by the Real Madrid defense. Four minutes of added time were awarded, but the first half ended goalless.
The second half started positively for Real Madrid, with Valverde creating an early opportunity. However, Celta broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when Swedberg found space and finished past the Real Madrid defense.
Rodrygo entered the match shortly after, replacing Asencio. Tensions then began to rise as Bellingham received the first yellow card for Real Madrid in the 62nd minute. Fran García followed with another yellow card before being sent off with a red card only a minute later, leaving Real Madrid with ten men.
Despite being under pressure, Real Madrid continued pushing forward in search of an equalizer. Xabi Alonso also received a yellow card during the heated second half. Mbappé had an important free-kick opportunity in the 76th minute, but his shot was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper. Tchouaméni also came close late in the game with a powerful effort, but once again Radu denied Madrid.
Five minutes of added time were awarded, but Real Madrid’s night became even more difficult when Carreras received a second booking and was sent off in stoppage time. Moments later, Swedberg scored his second goal of the night in the 93rd minute, sealing a 2–0 victory for Celta Vigo.
The match ended in frustration for Real Madrid, who struggled to break through Celta’s organized defense despite creating several opportunities. Meanwhile, Celta celebrated an impressive away victory at the Bernabéu, led by a standout performance from Swedberg and a disciplined defensive display throughout the night.