Nine-Man Real Madrid Embarrassed At Home As Celta Vigo Stun Bernabéu

Slow start, no control

Real Madrid never found rhythm. The Bernabéu expected a routine win, but Celta Vigo arrived with purpose and energy. Early chances fell both ways — Pablo Durán was denied by Fran García, while Jude Bellingham forced a sharp save from Ionut Radu at the other end. Arda Güler, busy and inventive, tested Radu twice, but nothing stuck. Madrid looked dangerous in flashes without ever taking charge.

Celta take the lead

The breakthrough came after 53 minutes. Bryan Zaragoza fired a low cross into the box from the left. Williot Swedberg, on as a substitute, reacted first and flicked a clever finish past Thibaut Courtois with his back to goal. It was a moment of instinct and precision that stunned the crowd into silence.

Madrid collapse with two reds

Madrid needed composure but got the opposite. Fran García collected two yellow cards in quick succession for late challenges and was sent off just 10 minutes after the opener. The hosts looked shaken and wasteful in response. Vinícius Júnior mishit from inside the area, Aurélien Tchouaméni blasted over, and Kylian Mbappé chipped just onto the roof of the net when clean through.

As frustration grew, Álvaro Carreras was dismissed for protesting. Madrid finished with nine men, and all hope of recovery disappeared. Celta sensed vulnerability and continued to press.

Swedberg settles it

In stoppage time, Celta punished Madrid again. A break down the middle left Swedberg one-on-one with Courtois. He rounded the keeper with calm ease and rolled the ball into an empty net. The Bernabéu emptied as whistles filled the air.

Title race damage

The defeat leaves Real four points behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona. With a Champions League clash against Manchester City coming up, Xabi Alonso’s side now face pressure on two fronts. Celta’s win was deserved. Madrid were flat, indisciplined, and punished by the one player they could not stop.