Ronaldo Brace Sees Real Madrid Rise to Second in the Table

Cristiano Ronaldo led Real Madrid to a thrilling 2-1 away win on Sunday evening. Celta de Vigo put up a very strong fight, but in the end it just was not enough.

Celta de Vigo's defense held strong throughout the game and even looked as if they could hold Madrid scoreless. However, Cristiano Ronaldo took advantage of a keeper error to put his side ahead.

But as soon as Madrid took the look and looked as if they would run away with the match, Iago Aspas pulled the game back level. A deflected shot from the striker found the back of the net and from that moment it was game on.

Either side could have walked away winners, but fans will agree that Real Madrid deserved more goals than they scored. After missing over six chances with just the keeper to beat, worry struck the faces of Madridistas.

Yet, Real Madrid would not let Celta keep them from overtaking Atletico in the La Liga table.

A controversial penalty led to Ronaldo's second goal of the night and things finally appeared to be done and dusted. But many late chances from Celta could have pulled the goals back level.

At the end of the day, Real Madrid held on to their slim lead to secure three points and sole command for second place in the table. Atletico Madrid will play later in the day, but for now Madridistas have reason to celebrate.

For Celta, the loss may finally spell relegation. A win would have surely given them confidence to pull themselves out of the basement of the table, but it may be too little too late.

Despite a difficult match, Real Madrid showed their class and pulled off a deserved win. However, Celta fans will be wondering what could have been for quite some time.

Score: Celta de Vigo 1 - 2 Real Madrid (Aspas - Ronaldo 2x)

Official Starting Lineups:

Celta de Vigo: Varas; Jonny, Demidov, Tunez, Lago; Oubina, A. Lopez, Krohn-Dehli; De Lucas, Iago Aspas

Real Madrid: Lopez; Essien, Pepe, Albiol, Marcelo; Khedira, Modric; Ozil, Cellejon, Cristiano Ronaldo; Benzema