Real Madrid endured a surprising 0-2 defeat against Celta Vigo at their home ground, the Bernabeu, in the 15th round of La Liga. The loss, compounded by two red cards in the second half, allowed rivals Barca to extend their lead at the top of the table to four points after their 5-3 comeback victory over Betis in an earlier match.

Celta Vigo secured their victory with a brace from substitute Williot Swedberg. The first goal came early in the second half when Bryan Zaragoza delivered a low cross from the left wing. Swedberg instinctively flicked it with his heel into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois no chance despite a full stretch. The Swedish player completed his double immediately after Real's second red card, as Iago Aspas played a through ball, allowing Swedberg to beat the offside trap, round Courtois, and slot the ball into an empty net. Swedberg became the first foreign player since Luis Suarez in October 2018 to score in three consecutive La Liga matches against Real.

Kylian Mbappe (white jersey) dribbles during Real's 0-2 loss to Celta Vigo in La Liga's 15th round at the Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain on 7/12. *Reuters*

Real's difficulties mounted due to disciplinary issues. Fran Garcia received two consecutive yellow cards within one minute, from the 63rd to the 64th, resulting in his expulsion. In stoppage time, Alvaro Carreras also received two consecutive yellow cards in one minute, reducing Real to nine men. Rodrygo and Federico Valverde rushed in to argue, and were also cautioned by the referee Alejandro Quintero.

Referee Alejandro Quintero shows a red card to Fran Garcia. *Le Journal*

Despite controlling 62% of possession and taking 20 shots with 8 on target, Real's attack was ineffective. Stars like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius squandered their opportunities. Mbappe, making his 50th appearance for Real in La Liga, had 47 goals and 7 assists in his previous 49 matches, but was unlucky in this game. He took three shots, achieving an expected goals (xG) metric of only 0,53. His best chance came in the 74th minute when Aurelien Tchouameni threaded a pass, allowing Mbappe to break free and go one-on-one. The 26-year-old forward controlled the ball cleanly but chipped it over the bar. Vinicius took four shots, with his most dangerous opportunity being an inaccurate right-footed curling effort in the 72nd minute. Federico Valverde, Arda Guler, and substitute Gonzalo Garcia also had chances but failed to convert them.

The 0-2 defeat ended Real's five-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, a run that began after their 0-1 loss to Liverpool in the Champions League group stage's fourth matchday on 4/11. The royal club remained in second place in La Liga with 36 points, four points behind Barca.

Celta Vigo players celebrate Williot Swedberg's goal that sealed the victory. *Reuters*

Real face another difficult match on 10/12 against Man City in the Champions League group stage's sixth matchday. Four days later, Xabi Alonso's side will visit Alaves in La Liga.

Hong Duy