Celta Vigo vs. Real Madrid: Score, Grades, Reaction from Liga Game

Javier Hernandez scored two more goals as Real Madrid kept up the pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona with a 4-2 victory at Celta Vigo on Sunday evening.

Hernandez, who is enjoying a run in the starting XI while Karim Benzema recovers from an injury, netted in the 24th and 69th minutes to help Real see off a Celta side that thrilled at nearly every opportunity in the attacking third.

The hosts took the lead in the ninth minute through Nolito, but Real hit back with the next two goals via Toni Kroos and Hernandez. Santi Mina pulled Celta level midway through the half, but James Rodriguez restored Real's advantage two minutes before half-time.

After both sides threatened the other's goal early in the second half, Hernandez sealed the points for Real with his second strike, his fourth in four games in all competitions.

Chicharito's upturn in form has coincided with a strong run for Real Madrid, who eliminated rivals Atletico Madrid from the UEFA Champions League midweek thanks to the Mexican striker's late winner. With Hernandez in form and Real Madrid now carrying a five-match winning streak, the Blancos will have confidence in their ability to keep pace with—or even overtake—Barcelona atop the Liga table.

Sunday's victory returned the deficit to two points, exactly as it was before the weekend, but five matches remain in the season for Carlo Ancelotti's men to catch their rivals. Up next, Real Madrid welcome Almeria to the Bernabeu on Wednesday, one day after Barcelona host Getafe.

Celta Vigo, who remained 10th after the defeat, host Malaga on Wednesday.

Celta made a lively start to the match and took the lead in the ninth minute on the counter. The move began in the hosts' half, with Fabian Orellana picking out Nolito on the left flank as the attack reached Real's box. Nolito cut inside and beat a pair of defenders before finishing low at the near post past Iker Casillas, who was rooted to the spot.

The lead was short-lived, however, as Real equalised just seven minutes later. Rodriguez started the sequence with an incisive pass to Cristiano Ronaldo on the right. Angling towards the goal, Ronaldo played the ball into the goalmouth, only for Celta to intercept. But the hosts' attempted clearance only went as far as Kroos, who rifled into the net from just inside the box with his first touch.

Lalo R. Villar/Associated Press

Real came close again in the 20th minute as Sergio Alvarez came off his line to push the ball away from the onrushing Hernandez. The clearance bounced to Ronaldo, who curled narrowly off target from a difficult angle, though the offside flag was already up against Hernandez.

The visitors took their first lead in the 24th minute following a fine move between Rodriguez and Hernandez on the right. Receiving the ball back from his team-mate, Hernandez burst in on goal at a tight angle and finished under Alvarez at the goalkeeper's near post for a 2-1 Real lead.

It didn't last long. Four minutes later, Celta drew level.

Orellana was the architect again, threading a pass through to Mina, who raced clear behind Real's defence and beat Casillas one-on-one. Mina's initial shot bounced off the upright, but the teenager latched onto the rebound and slammed in at the second attempt.

Ronaldo came close a second time in the 41st minute, hitting the base of the upright after running onto Hernandez's layoff.

Real didn't have to wait much longer for another goal, though. In the 43rd minute, the visitors scored the fifth and final goal of a breathless first half, with Rodriguez's shot from the edge of the box taking a massive deflection past Alvarez.

Trailing 3-2 at half-time, Celta created the better chances early in the second period. In the 48th minute, an expansive team move ended with Hugo Mallo firing high and wide of the near post from a tight angle. Five minutes later, Orellana had a shot deflected off target following a quick counter.

At the other end, Isco had a one-on-one with Alvarez on the right, but the Celta goalkeeper came off his line quickly to snuff out the chance. Real then broke forward quickly in the 62nd minute, with Ronaldo bending a cross into the path of Hernandez at the back post. But the Mexican was unable to control his shot, blasting over the bar.

The visitors made it 4-2 in the 69th minute as Hernandez found the scoresheet for a second time on the night. Starting inside Real's half, centre-back Sergio Ramos carried the ball across the halfway line and chipped a pass forward, picking out the Mexican striker's well-timed run. After bringing down the ball deftly, Hernandez slammed in his finish past Alvarez, who had hesitated coming off his line.

Now trailing by two goals for the first time on the night, Celta kept pushing forward. Nolito had a good sight of goal in the 88th minute, but his shot swerved off target.

But the fourth goal had taken much of the sting out of Celta's attacks, and after three minutes of stoppage time, Real celebrated three more points that keep them hot on Barcelona's heels.

Grades

Starting XI	Rating
Substitutes	Rating
Iker Casillas	6.2
Dani Carvajal	6.6
Raphael Varane	7.4
Sergio Ramos	8.5
Marcelo	6.6
James Rodriguez	8.3
Asier Illarramendi	7.1
Toni Kroos	8.1
Isco	6.5
Javier Hernandez	8.6
Cristiano Ronaldo	8.3
Pepe (for Hernandez, 74')	6.3
Jese (for Isco, 82')	No rating
Alvaro Arbeloa (for Rodriguez, 85')	No rating

Reaction

Real Madrid goalscorer James Rodriguez, via Football Espana:

"

The match was good, both teams came out with great intensity, but in the end we were deserved winners. It was a great match for all the spectators. [Celta] were attacking a lot but in the second half we took control. When there’s space, Madrid are much more dangerous. We have the players who can exploit spaces.

(The result) should emphasise the hard work of the entire team. These are three points that show we’ll fight until the end. Chicharito’s been patient and deserves everything that’s happening to him. 

We’re still fighting (for the League title) and there are five matches left. We’ve always been focused on winning La Liga and the Champions League.

"

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, via Football Espana:

"

We had a very good game,” he said after the match. It was a great physical and mental battle. Celta played very well, but we’re satisfied and happy.

The team are alive, have a good attitude and show it on the pitch. Chicharito is enjoying his time [on the pitch] and has been very good. The whole team worked well. We suffered many times, but we were very effective going forward. Both teams took risks and it made for a spectacular game.

If Chicharito (continues playing) like this, he’ll be non-negotiable like Cristiano, Benzema, James, Gareth, Ramos, Isco, Varane, Pepe... I have a non-negotiable squad but I can only play 11 at a time. The others must stay on the bench.

At the moment, we’re not thinking about our rivals but only what we have to do. After the defeat at Barcelona, we wanted to be in contention for the League until the end (of the season). Our (only) objective is to win everything.

"

Follow @MiguelCominguez