Real Madrid scraped past Celta Vigo with a 2-1 victory at Balaidos, as Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr provided the attacking quality, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side showed familiar vulnerabilities. Despite the win, the unconvincing performance highlighted Real Madrid’s ongoing defensive issues, raising concerns ahead of their upcoming clash with Barcelona. Real Madrid player ratings vs Celta Vigo.
Mbappe and Vinicius were the saviors once again, each contributing with goals, but Madrid’s defense looked fragile against a determined Celta Vigo side. The victory keeps Real Madrid’s La Liga title hopes alive, but the performance left fans wondering whether they can hold up against stronger competition.
Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Celta Vigo: Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr Shine, But Defensive Worries Continue
First Half: Mbappe’s Magic and Celta’s Resilience
Real Madrid started the game brightly, and it didn’t take long for Kylian Mbappe to make his mark. The French superstar unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner from the edge of the box in the 20th minute, giving Los Blancos an early lead. It was his finest goal for Madrid so far, showcasing the lethal finishing ability that made him the club’s marquee signing.
However, despite Madrid’s early dominance, Celta Vigo posed a consistent threat. The hosts created several chances, forcing Thibaut Courtois into a superb save to deny Williot Swedberg in the first half. Celta’s persistence paid off in the second half when Swedberg finally found the back of the net, equalizing with a clinical finish after poor defensive positioning from Madrid.
Second Half: Vinicius Seals the Win
Real Madrid struggled to find a rhythm after the equalizer, but the introduction of Luka Modric changed the game. The 39-year-old playmaker provided the moment of magic needed, delivering a perfectly weighted pass to Vinicius Jr, who coolly slotted home to restore Madrid’s lead in the 76th minute.
Vinicius had been a constant menace throughout the game, and his goal was a just reward for his efforts. The Brazilian is in sensational form, and his partnership with Mbappe is developing into a deadly attacking duo.
Celta Vigo continued to create chances, but Madrid held on for the win, despite a performance that exposed their defensive frailties. Ancelotti’s tactical adjustments didn’t always work, and Celta found plenty of space to exploit.
Real Madrid Player Ratings:
Thibaut Courtois (7/10):
Had a busy night in goal, making a crucial first-half save to deny Swedberg. He couldn’t do much about Celta’s equalizer but was reliable throughout.
Eder Militao (6/10):
Made some key tackles but was also part of a defense that allowed Celta too many chances. Needs to tighten up at the back, especially with bigger matches looming.
Aurelien Tchouameni (5/10):
Played in an unusual role and struggled to adapt. His positioning left gaps in Madrid’s midfield, and he looked uncomfortable at times.
Antonio Rudiger (5/10):
A disappointing outing for Rudiger, who allowed Celta too much space on several occasions. Will need to step up his game against tougher opponents.
Lucas Vazquez (6/10):
Worked hard down the right flank but was vulnerable defensively. Replaced Dani Carvajal but lacked the same level of defensive stability.
Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):
Energetic in the first half, contributing both defensively and offensively. Faded as the game went on and was subbed off after an hour.
Fede Valverde (7/10):
A typically all-action performance from the Uruguayan. Tested the goalkeeper early and was heavily involved in Madrid’s pressing game.
Fran Garcia (5/10):
Struggled defensively and didn’t offer much going forward. Replaced by Ferland Mendy in the second half after a below-par showing.
Attack:
Kylian Mbappe (8/10):
Madrid’s talisman delivered once again with a spectacular goal. His strike from distance put Madrid ahead early, and he was a constant threat throughout the game.
Vinicius Jr (8/10):
Scored the decisive second goal and was lively throughout the match. His pace and creativity tormented Celta’s defense, and his understanding with Mbappe is growing game by game.
Jude Bellingham (6/10):
Not his best night, as he struggled to get into the game. Looked frustrated with some of the decisions made by his teammates but worked tirelessly to create chances.
Subs & Manager:
Luka Modric (8/10):
Came on and immediately made an impact. His vision and creativity set up Vinicius for the winner, and he provided a much-needed spark in midfield.
Rodrygo (5/10):
Introduced for the last 30 minutes but struggled to make a significant impact.
Ferland Mendy (5/10):
Replaced Fran Garcia but didn’t offer much improvement in the defensive department.
Dani Ceballos (N/A):
Came on late in the game to help see out the victory but didn’t have enough time to influence proceedings.
Carlo Ancelotti (5/10):
Ancelotti’s tactical setup continues to raise questions. His decision to tinker with the formation left the team exposed defensively, and Madrid were fortunate to escape with three points. With Barcelona up next, there is still plenty of work to be done, especially at the back.
Final Thoughts:
Real Madrid may have secured the win, but their performance against Celta Vigo was far from convincing. While the attacking brilliance of Mbappe and Vinicius carried them through, the defensive vulnerabilities were glaring and will need to be addressed ahead of tougher fixtures. Ancelotti must find a way to tighten things up, as Barcelona will not be as forgiving in El Clasico.
The win keeps Real Madrid in the title race, but they will need to significantly improve if they are to challenge for major honors this season. With the talent they have in attack, Madrid can be devastating going forward, but they will need more balance to compete with the likes of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Conclusion:
Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo highlights both their strengths and weaknesses. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr are in excellent form, providing the goals and creativity needed to secure wins, but defensive issues continue to plague the team. Carlo Ancelotti must address these concerns, particularly with Barcelona on the horizon. While Madrid’s attack is among the best in Europe, their defense needs to improve if they are to challenge for silverware this season.
What a strike from Kylian Mbappé 😮💨☄️
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) October 19, 2024
FAQs:
- What was the final score between Real Madrid and Celta Vigo?
The match ended 2-1 in favor of Real Madrid, with goals from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. - Who were the standout players for Real Madrid?
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr were the standout performers, each scoring a goal to secure the victory. - What are Real Madrid’s main concerns after this match?
The main concern is their defensive frailty, as they allowed Celta Vigo too many chances, which could be problematic in upcoming fixtures. - How did Carlo Ancelotti’s tactics affect the game?
Ancelotti’s tactical adjustments, particularly in defense, left Madrid exposed at times. His formation changes didn’t always work, and Celta exploited the gaps in Madrid’s backline. - Who is Real Madrid’s next opponent?
Real Madrid will face Barcelona in El Clasico in their next La Liga match, a crucial fixture in the title race.
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