Humiliating Madrid at Bernabeu, Celta Vigo Thwart Los Blancos' Bid to Close Gap on Barcelona

Real Madrid wasted an opportunity to close the gap on Barcelona after suffering a 0-2 defeat to Celta Vigo in La Liga's 15th week at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Monday, December 8, 2025 WIB. In a tense match filled with pressure and crucial referee decisions, Los Blancos collapsed in front of their home crowd. 

Celta Vigo displayed disciplined and lethal performance, capitalizing on two key moments through Williot Swedberg, who scored in the 54th and 90+3 minutes. 

Real Madrid Pressured from the Start, Celta More Clinical

From kick-off, Real Madrid immediately showcased aggressive attacking play. Arda Guler created an opportunity with a shot but Celta Vigo goalkeeper Ionut Radu saved it. 

Shortly after, Jude Bellingham nearly broke the deadlock with a header, but again directed it straight into the keeper's arms.

Madrid kept creating chances. Guler and Vinicius Junior had two opportunities late in the first half, but came up empty. 

Conversely, Celta grew increasingly confident after weathering the hosts' onslaught.

Entering the second half, the visitors seized momentum. In the 53rd minute, Swedberg delivered a clinical finish to make it 1-0. 

Two Red Cards Destroy Madrid

Madrid's situation worsened when wing-back Fran Garcia received a second yellow card in the 64th minute. 

Playing with 10 men, Los Blancos still sought an equalizer. Kylian Mbappé almost leveled the score with a close-range shot but missed the target.

Madrid's position became more precarious when defender Alvaro Carreras was shown a red card for excessive protest in the 90+2 minute. 

Just one minute later, numerically superior Celta sealed victory. Swedberg scored again after an assist from Iago Aspas, securing the 2-0 scoreline until the final whistle.

This defeat leaves Real Madrid stuck in second place with 36 points from 16 matches, trailing leaders Barcelona by four points. 

For Celta Vigo, this win provides major momentum. They climb to 10th place with 19 points, now seven points clear of the relegation zone and showing signs of resurgence.