Celta Vigo vs. Real Madrid: Winners and Losers from La Liga
Real Madrid went three points clear at the top of La Liga after overcoming previous joint-leaders Celta Vigo 3-1 at Balaidos on Saturday afternoon.
Despite Celta having the better of the first half, it was visitors Real who led by two goals at the break after clinical finishes from Cristiano Ronaldo and Danilo, with Keylor Navas called into action far more often at the other end than Sergio Alvarez was for Celta.
The second half was fairly even, but Gustavo Cabral's sending off made it near-impossible for Celta.
Nolito pulled one back near the end, but Marcelo wrapped up matters for Real Madrid in stoppage time.
Here are our biggest winners and losers from the game.
Winner: Keylor Navas
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Social media was awash with praise for Keylor Navas at half-time, after his first 45 minutes on the pitch against Celta saw him as the standout performer on either side.
A number of goal-bound efforts from the home side were improbably stopped by Navas, stretching across goal or reacting with tremendous reflexes to pull off three or four immense saves and maintain Real Madrid's two-goal advantage.
The Costa Rican has been La Liga's best 'keeper this season so far, and he has been a huge part of the reason for Real ascending to top spot. He was finally beaten late on in the match—but it took a top corner shot to do it.
Per Dermot Corrigan on Twitter, Nolito was effusive in his praise of the 'keeper after the game: "Sincerely, Keylor stopped three or four clear goals. Hands of him. I dont know how he did it. Truth is we never gave up, despite everything we should be happy. We tried to score, couldn't do it, as Keylor spectacular."
Loser: Gustavo Cabral
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Nobody is quite sure how, but Celta Vigo centre-back Cabral hadn't actually been booked this season before the game.
The aggressive defender changed all that against Real Madrid, picking up two yellows and getting himself sent off early in the second half to give his team a huge uphill struggle, foolishly berating the referee for his second booking after he felt an injustice had been done against his team.
Celta were brave enough to play on with just three defenders for most of the match, but they were always in danger of conceding chances on the counter as a result, and that's ultimately what cost them the game.
Winner: Casemiro
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With Luka Modric still working his way back to fitness and Toni Kroos no longer a decisive, penetrative threat in the final third as a result of having his role changed so much at Real Madrid, Casemiro has looked the most accomplished midfielder in the heart of Real's side in recent weeks.
The Brazilian was once more adept at stopping play progressing through the middle of the pitch, forcing Celta wide as he patrolled and protected in front of the back line.
Casemiro still might not play every game once everyone in the squad is fit—if it ever happens—but he is clearly a trusted part of Rafael Benitez's squad and can rest assured he'll play a significant part over the entire season.
Losers: Celta's Individualistic Front Three
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The early season success of Celta's three-pronged attack, comprised of Nolito, Iago Aspas and Fabian Orellana, was their ability to make quick passes between themselves and swap positions on the pitch with regularity.
Movement, one-touch combination play and then taking chances from inside the box were the real attributes that made them a standout triumvirate to watch: team work, appreciation of each others' skills and a cohesive pattern that they all worked in.
Against Real Madrid, there was none of that—every moment of danger came from either a set-piece delivery or individual actions by the front three, particularly Nolito, of course.
He eventually scored Celta's goal after another of his dribbles infield, but when the moment for through passes came, or setting up a team-mate instead of taking on a shot themselves, the front three were found wanting.
John Guidetti only added to that when he came on as sub, spurning a great chance for 2-2 with Aspas screaming for the ball in space behind him.
Winner: Rafa Benitez's Squad Depth
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While the points were ultimately hard earned, Rafael Benitez would have been delighted that a number of his squad players had decisive impacts on the result, even if they weren't genuinely top performers throughout.
Jese, Lucas Vazquez and Denis Cheryshev all picked up an assist each, while Nacho helped bolt down the defensive half of the pitch after he came on as sub, too.
With plenty of players still out injured and some big matches upcoming, domestically and in Europe, Benitez will be relieved as well as pleased that some of the next-in-line were able to make such a telling contribution—though he'd no doubt prefer to see Cristiano Ronaldo, largely lethargic and wasteful aside from his goal, in much better form too.
