Real Madrid crushed by Celta Vigo 2-0 at home, finishing with nine men after red cards, allowing Barcelona to extend La Liga lead

Real Madrid suffered a damaging 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday in La Liga, ending the match with nine players after red cards for Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras.

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Williot Swedberg scored twice in the second half, leaving second-placed Madrid four points behind league leaders Barcelona.

The match also saw defender Eder Militao leave with an injury, compounding Xabi Alonso’s defensive challenges.

Madrid were playing their first home game following six consecutive away fixtures, including an NFL event at the Santiago Bernabeu. The team has now won only one of its last five league games.

Celta striker Borja Iglesias praised his team’s performance, noting they “read the game very well” and controlled possession in Madrid’s half.

Alonso rested centre-back Antonio Rudiger due to an upcoming Champions League clash against Manchester City, but Rudiger was forced on midway through the first half after Militao pulled up injured.

Right-back Raul Asencio started in place of the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is sidelined for two months.

Madrid struggled against Celta’s low defensive block, with goalkeeper Ionut Radu making multiple saves, including stops from Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler.

Madrid’s best first-half chance came when Guler was set up by Kylian Mbappe but shot wide.

The deadlock was broken early in the second half. Bryan Zaragoza crossed from the left for Swedberg, who flicked the ball past Thibaut Courtois.

Madrid’s frustration grew as Fran Garcia received two yellow cards in a minute, reducing the hosts to ten men.

Despite efforts from Mbappe and substitute Gonzalo Garcia, Madrid could not find an equaliser.

In stoppage time, Carreras was shown a red card for dissent, leaving the team with nine players.

Swedberg completed the scoring, rounding Courtois to secure a 2-0 victory for Celta Vigo.

Elsewhere, Espanyol continued their strong season with a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, climbing to fifth place.

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Roberto Fernandez scored a first-half penalty, while both sides finished with ten players after second yellow cards for Rayo’s Unai Lopez and Espanyol’s Tyrhys Dolan.