Celta Shock Nine-Men Real Madrid at the Bernabeu

Key Takeaways:

• Real Madrid fell 0:2 to Celta in their 15th round clash at the Bernabeu, leaving them four points adrift of Barcelona
• Williot Swedberg netted both goals for Celta, while Real Madrid ended the match with nine players after two red cards
• On Wednesday, Real Madrid will meet Manchester City in the Champions League with injury concerns for Eder Militao

Match Analysis

Real Madrid endured a night to forget at home as Celta delivered a masterclass in resilience and finishing, handing the hosts a 0:2 defeat in the 15th round. Having started the week just a point off Barcelona, the reigning champions now find themselves trailing by four after failing to overcome Celta’s tactical discipline and the inspired form of Williot Swedberg, who scored both goals for the visitors.

Celta Vigo shock Real Madrid! 😳🔵

Who’s been your Man of the Match? pic.twitter.com/4JxM9YHIR1

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 7, 2025

The opening forty-five minutes were a struggle for Real Madrid, who attempted to dominate early but found themselves on the back foot. The Bernabeu crowd saw a scare in the eighth minute, when Zaragoza breezed past Asensio and set up Pablo Duran; however, Duran’s hesitation meant only a corner resulted. Los Blancos eventually managed their first chance in the 16th minute, when Arda Güler forced a save from Celta’s keeper Radu. From the following corner, Jude Bellingham attempted to break the deadlock, but once again Radu was equal to it.

Key Moments and Red Cards

Celta’s defence proved impenetrable, compelling Real Madrid to resort to long-range efforts. In the 34th minute, Arda Güler unleashed a shot from over 25 metres, only for Radu to parry it away. Four minutes later, Güler was again presented with a glorious chance in a one-on-one, but failed to convert. Celta answered back just before the interval when Pablo Duran charged in on goal, but Courtois confidently saved.

Vinicius Junior finally threatened in first-half stoppage time, but his shot was again stopped by Radu. At the beginning of the second half, Valverde tried his luck with a powerful drive, but Celta’s Romanian goalkeeper remained unbeatable.

It was in the 54th minute that Williot Swedberg delivered a stunning finish following a pass from Zaragoza, silencing the home fans. The situation deteriorated for Real Madrid eleven minutes later, as Fran Garcia collected two yellow cards within two minutes and received his marching orders from referee Alejandro Quintero Gonzalez. At this point, Celta’s organisation stifled Madrid’s attempts – though the hosts briefly sparked into life, creating two significant openings but failing to convert.

Late Drama and Final Blow

Despite being down to ten men, Real Madrid pushed on. Kylian Mbappé squandered a clear opportunity in the 74th minute, firing over the crossbar with only the goalkeeper to beat. In the 86th minute, Tchouaméni came close with a header, but Celta’s luck held firm. The drama escalated in added time, when Alvaro Carreras, frustrated by a refereeing decision that brought play back for a foul, received two yellow cards in quick succession – the second for arguing, reducing Madrid to nine. An additional member of the home staff was also dismissed by the referee.

Celta showed no mercy, capitalising on Madrid’s vulnerability in stoppage time as Swedberg completed his brace after a rapid counterattack, putting the result beyond doubt.

Statistical Overview

With this result, not only have Real Madrid slipped behind Barcelona in the table, but they also face additional challenges with new injuries to contend with, including a fresh setback for Eder Militao. Their focus now quickly shifts to their upcoming Champions League fixture against Manchester City on Wednesday.