Full Time: Celta Vigo 1-4 Real Madrid
Real Madrid have one hand on the La Liga title after they defeated Celta Vigo 4-1 at the Balaidos on Wednesday night, to go three points clear at the top.
Madrid hit the ground running and were ahead as early as the 10th minute thanks to a searing effort from Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese doubled his and his team’s tally soon into the second period. John Guidetti pulled one back in the 69th minute, but Karim Benzema restored the two-goal cushion for Madrid only a minute later to bag home three points. Toni Kroos added a fourth late in the game to finish the game off in style.
The win leaves Madrid in firm control of the La Liga title race. Zinedine Zidane’s men sit at the top of table now, three points ahead of Barcelona and just a draw in their final game against Malaga on Sunday will be enough to clinch the title.
Here’s how the Madrid players fared:
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Keylor Navas – 8/10
Made several important saves on either side of half-time to keep his team on the front-foot. Was instrumental for the win.
Danilo – 5/10
Given a hard time defensively by Pione Sisto. Did not add much to attack either. Poor again.
Raphael Varane – 6/10
Made a few key interventions, used his pace well. But got lucky as he could have easily given away a penalty in the first half for handling the ball in the box.
Sergio Ramos – 6/10
The captain was also extremely lucky not to concede a spot kick after a rash challenge on Iago Aspas. Nervy at times, but held on.
Marcelo – 7/10
Played a key role in the first goal and set up the all important third one for Benzema. Was once again a huge outlet for Madrid down the left-side, more so after Iago Aspas was sent off.
Luka Modric – 7/10
Ran the game for Madrid from the midfield with his range and array of distributional skills.
Casemiro – 5/10
Made a few crunching challenges, but booked in the first period itself for one such challenge. Gave away more such fouls in the second period and was hauled off as the risk of him being sent off loomed large.
Toni Kroos – 7/10
Has found great form heading into the most important part of the season. Showed a calm head to take his goal in the 88th minute.
Isco – 7/10
Not as impressive as his recent displays, but contributed with the assist for Ronaldo’s second goal after a good run.
Karim Benzema – 8/10
Put Madrid into the driver’s seat with a simple finish soon after Celta made it 2-1. Set Kroos up for the final goal. His hold up play and ability to bring the rest of his teammates into play shone through again.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 9/10
Another big night and this man steps up again. Opened the scoring with a blistering shot before adding another one with a neat finish. Will be ruing missing out on a hat-trick.
Substitutes
Mateo Kovacic – 6/10
Replaced Casemiro for the last 20 minutes. Solid.
Lucas Vazquez – NA
Came on for Isco in the 84th minute.
Marco Asensio – NA
On for Ronaldo in the 84th minute.