Real Madrid edge Celta 3–2, Mbappe shines

KATHMANDU: Real Madrid edged past Celta Vigo 3–2 in a dramatic La Liga clash on Sunday, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice to keep the pressure on league leaders Barcelona ahead of next weekend’s El Clásico.

The win sees Carlo Ancelotti’s side close the gap to just four points behind Barça, moving to 75 points with the season heating up.

Real Madrid opened the scoring in the 33rd minute through Arda Güler, whose curling shot from a short corner took a deflection and nestled into the far corner of the net.

Just six minutes later, Madrid doubled their lead when Mbappé rounded goalkeeper Vicente Guaita and powered the ball into the net following a swift counterattack.

The French striker struck again just three minutes into the second half. Latching onto a brilliant through ball from Güler, Mbappé finished clinically with his left foot into the bottom corner to complete his brace.

However, Celta Vigo refused to go down without a fight. In the 70th minute, Javi Rodríguez capitalized on a failed clearance to pull one back from close range.

Six minutes later, substitute Williot Swedberg made it 3–2 with a well-placed finish, setting up a tense finale.

The visitors nearly found an equalizer moments later when Pablo Durán had a golden opportunity, but his shot was smothered by Thibaut Courtois, preserving Madrid’s lead.

Both sides created late chances, but Real held firm to secure three vital points. The result not only keeps Madrid’s title hopes alive but also builds momentum ahead of the highly anticipated El Clásico next Sunday. A win over Barcelona would reduce the gap to just a single point.

Celta Vigo remain in seventh place following the loss.

Elsewhere in La Liga:

Real Betis defeated Espanyol 2–1 in a tight contest.

Sevilla and Leganés shared the spoils in a 2–2 draw.

Real Sociedad and Athletic Club played out a goalless stalemate.