Real Madrid travelled to Celta Vigo on Sunday evening trailing La Liga leaders Barcelona by five points.
Celta opened the scoring through Nolito after just nine minutes, but goals from Toni Kroos and Javier Hernandez saw Real Madrid lead with 24 minutes on the clock.
Celta were back on terms just four minutes later when Santi Mina converted to leave the score at 2-2, but that was not the end of the first-half scoring, with James Rodriguez netting after 44 minutes to send the away side ahead.
Hernandez added his second of the evening in the 69th minute as Real Madrid won 4-2 in Vigo.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Balaidos as Celta Vigo welcome Real Madrid. The visitors must keep on winning to stay in the title race, but it will not be straight-forward against a Celta side that are in good form. It has all the makings of an entertaining clash!
First and foremost, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Vigo...
TEAMS:
CELTA: Sergio; Mallo, Cabral, Fontas, Jonny; Augusto, Krohn-Dehli; Orellana, Mina, Nolito; Larrivey
REAL: Casillas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Kroos, Isco, Illarra; Ronaldo, Hernandez, James
No real surprises in the Celta XI tonight, with Nolito, Santi Mina and Joaquin Larrivey all selected in the final third. Michael Krohn-Dehli and Augusto Fernandez will hold the midfield, while Fabian Orellana also retains his position. Sergi Gomez and Charles remain on the bench for Eduardo Berizzo's side.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, has recalled Marcelo following his European suspension. Out-of-favour Spanish midfielder Asier Illarramendi also starts, with Sergio Ramos dropping back to central defence. Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema are all still on the sidelines, meaning that Javier Hernandez, who was the hero against Atletico Madrid, retains his spot as the central striker.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two teams, Real Madrid have won four of the last five matches. That said, Celta were 2-0 winners in the corresponding league game last season. The pair have, of course, already met in the league this season and truth be told, it was a straight-forward fixture for Real Madrid, who claimed all the points in Madrid courtesy of a 3-0 victory. Little over 15 minutes until kickoff.
In truth, Celta have been extremely inconsistent this season, but a run of three wins from their last five league games has moved them into the top half of the table. They thumped Rayo Vallecano 6-1 on home soil on April 11, before winning at Eibar last weekend. As a result, they are now just five points behind seventh-place Malaga and have of course played one game less. Can they cut that gap to two points?
Both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have struggled in Vigo this season and it will be a real test for Real Madrid this evening. That said, Celta have already lost five league games on home soil this season - winning just six times. It has been a similar story on their travels, where they have won five, drawn five and lost seven. Celta are, without question, a team capable of some outstanding performances, but there is a general feeling that they do not approach the so-called smaller games in the correct fashion.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have once again dropped five points behind the league leaders Barcelona, who won 2-0 at Catalan rivals Espanyol on Saturday. Games are starting to run out, but victory here would again cut the gap to two points. Los Blancos will also be buoyed by their mid-week exploits – booking their spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League at the expense of Atletico Madrid.
In the league, Real Madrid have won each of their last four games – scoring 17 times in the process and conceding just twice. They have comfortably beaten Granada, Rayo Vallecano, Eibar and Malaga in recent weeks, but they have both Sevilla and Valencia to come before the end of the season. Los Blancos have lost six league games this season, meanwhile, and five of those have been on their travels.
PREDICTION! Celta will fancy their chances of recording another home win over Real Madrid here, but I just think that the visitors will have enough to claim all the points. I expect it to be very tight for long spells, but will back Real Madrid to win by the odd goal. Score prediction: Celta 1-2 Real Madrid.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium as the away side get the first 45 minutes underway.
As expected, Real Madrid, who are in all-black, have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, with Carvajal already threatening in a wide position. The noise is just stunning!
Good pressure from the home side as Mina works the ball into the box before having a shot himself, but Carvajal is on hand to make the block. The tempo is very high in the early exchanges here.
Another half-chance for the home side as Orellana drives past Ramos before delivering a super cross towards Larrivey, but Varane is on hand to head behind. As expected, fast start from the hosts.
Ronaldo has already been dispossessed on a couple of occasions, with Celta straight on the attacker each time he receives the ball. Neither side has had a chance of note thus far, but Real Madrid have just started to enjoy a period of possession after surviving a couple of bright Celta moments.
Celta are more than happy to allow Real Madrid possession in deep areas, but they are pressing the likes of Hernandez and Ronaldo, which is making it difficult for the visitors to pass and probe.
Ronaldo does well to force a corner down the right, but the resulting set piece is powerfully headed clear by Larrivey, who is so strong in the air. Isco then delivers towards Ronaldo, but Jonny clears.
GOAL! Celta 1-0 Real Madrid (Nolito)
Breakthrough Celta! The home side take the lead with nine minutes on the clock as Nolito dances between two defenders before firing into the bottom corner. Casillas was unsighted and could not react to make the save. Nolito has been excellent this season and has already made his mark tonight!
Celta, more often than not, turn up against the bigger teams and that seems to be the case again this evening. Real Madrid will be looking for a quick response as they force a couple of corners.
It must be said that the noise inside the stadium is just sensational. Larrivey is causing problems with his movement as he pulls away from Varane, but the Frenchman just makes a vital challenge.
Real Madrid are in control of the possession at the moment, which is not much of a surprise, but they have not created a single chance of note. Celta have been the more productive in the final third.
GOAL! Celta 1-1 Real Madrid (Kroos)
We are all level in Vigo! It is brilliant from Ronaldo as the Portuguese drives into the Celta box before delivering a low cross which is half-cleared to Kroos, who side-foots into the corner of the net.
Well, 18 minutes on the clock and we already have two goals! I have a strong feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals in this one. It is Real Madrid in possession of the ball at the moment.
It must be said that the opening 20 minutes of this contest have just flown past. Celta are still threatening in the final third, but Real Madrid are in control of the possession. Hernandez makes another smart run behind the Celta defence, but the Mexican was just about leaning offside.
Sickening clash of heads between Ramos and Larrivey brings a stoppage to play. It was a 50/50 challenge between two committed players and both are hurt. It does not look too good for either!
Larrivey seems to have returned with a swimming hat. I am sure it is not a swimming hat per se, but it sure looks like one. Footballers these days! Anyway, Ramos and Larrivey are both fit to continue.
GOAL! Celta 1-2 Real Madrid (Hernandez)
Little Pea! Hernandez can do no wrong at the moment and he scores Real Madrid's second from a tight angle after combining with James. It is an excellent finish from a very difficult angle indeed.
This has been a very good response from Real Madrid and they are threatening more goals now.
Celta just need a five or 10-minute period in possession of the ball, but Real Madrid have found their flow now and are causing problems each time they break forward. The next goal is just crucial.
GOAL! Celta 2-2 Real Madrid (Mina)
WOW! Celta are back on terms with 28 minutes on the clock, but there is a stroke of luck about the goal. Mina beats the offside trap before poking one towards the bottom corner, it hits the post, but the striker is on hand to convert at the second time of asking. Cracking game of football here!
This could end up 5-5! Real Madrid are straight down the other end with Ronaldo, but the attacker cannot slide a pass into Hernandez. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Vigo.
Real Madrid's defending has been a little all over the place this evening and Celta once again threaten through Orellana, but Kroos manages to get his foot in. Real Madrid's midfield has been a little lightweight thus far, with Illarramendi and Isco both struggling to make their mark thus far.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, but the tempo is still extremely high, with both teams committing numbers each time they break into the final third.
There has hardly been a late challenge of note in this first period and the referee is allowing the game to flow whenever possible, which is creating an end-to-end and extremely entertaining affair.
There have only been four chances of note in this first period, and all four have ended up in the back of the net! Plenty of football in the middle of the park at the moment, but not much in attack.
Half-chance for Larrivey as the striker spins outside the Real Madrid box, but his effort was straight into the arms of Casillas. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining in this one.
POST! Real Madrid have the chance to regain the lead as Hernandez sets up Ronaldo in a two-on-one situation, but the attacker's low effort hits the post before Celta clear!
Ronaldo's movement is causing all sorts of problems at the moment, with the Portuguese playing on the final defender. Celta break down the other end with Larrivey, but his effort is deflected wide.
GOAL! Celta 2-3 Real Madrid (James)
Real Madrid regain the lead in the 44th minute as Ronaldo sets up James and the Colombian's low strike takes a deflection before ending up in the bottom corner. It was poor from Krohn-Dehli, who had lost possession in the middle of the park. Five goals in this first period - what a treat!
Celta are straight down the other end with Nolito, who slides a pass into Larrivey, but Ramos is across to make a fine challenge. Good grief there is hardly time to take a breath at the moment in Vigo.
HALF-TIME: Celta 2-3 Real Madrid
Good grief what a first period! The referee brings the first 45 minutes of action to a close, with Real Madrid leading 3-2 at the break. Celta opened the scoring through Nolito after just nine minutes, but goals from Toni Kroos and Javier Hernandez saw Real Madrid lead with 24 minutes on the clock. Celta were back on terms just four minutes later when Santi Mina converted from close range, but James Rodriguez's deflected effort late in the half means that the visitors lead this by the odd goal in five.
STATS! Real Madrid have shaded the possession with 55%, while they have had four attempts - three of which have been on target and indeed three of which have been goals. Celta, meanwhile, have had nine attempts - including three on target. No yellow cards in the first 45 minutes here.
BENCH WATCH! Neither side are exactly lacking in forward positions this evening, but Celta boss Berizzo might wish to alter proceedings in the second period and the Argentine has the likes of Bongonda, Charles and Alex Lopez in reserve. Real Madrid boss Ancelotti, meanwhile, has options in the shape of Jese Rodriguez and Lucas Silva. Will we see any substitutions at the interval in Vigo?
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the field for the second period. Will we have more goals in Vigo? Let's hope so! The home side get the second 45 minutes of action underway.
No changes from either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage. However, I suspect that alterations will be made if the score remains 3-2 for the next 15, 20 minutes here.
CHANCE! Celta tease Real Madrid with a period of possession in and around the Los Blancos box, but eventually Mallo fires past the post from a difficult angle. Should have done better!
Another half-chance for the home side as Mina's pace takes him away from the Real Madrid back four, but the striker's effort, which was intended to lob Casillas, was always moving wide of the post.
The home supporters are not best pleased with the referee as he whistles for a foul on Kroos when it appeared that Krohn-Dehli, who was almost through on goal, had won the ball fair and square.
BOOKING! Orellana (Celta) is booked for dissent.
Celta have been the better side in the early stages of this second period, with Real Madrid thus far struggling to make their mark. That said, the counter-attack threat from the visitors is always there.
BOOKING! Jonny (Celta) is booked for hauling Hernandez to the ground.
Another half-chance for the home side as Orellana runs at the Real Madrid defence before letting fly, but his effort is deflected wide of the post. All of the pressure is coming from Celta at the moment.
Ronaldo tries his luck from outside the box, but it was always a comfortable save for Alvarez.
Larrivey tries the spectacular inside the Real Madrid box, but the Argentine cannot make contact with a cross. Real Madrid are down the other end moments later, but Isco cannot evade goalkeeper Alvarez, who had faced up to the Spaniard in a wide area. End-to-end football here - cracking to watch!
Celta have a penalty shout as Orellana goes down inside the box, but the referee is not interested. The home side do gain a free kick in a wide area moments later, however, when Ramos fells Mina.
I tell you what - Kroos on Orellana, that should have been a penalty! The German challenged the midfielder from behind and did not make contact with the ball. Lucky Real Madrid there!
CHANCE! A deep free kick from Nolito causes all sorts of problems inside the Celta box, but it drops for Marcelo, who manages to scramble clear! Panic stations at the back there!
Still no movement on either bench, but we are entering the stage of the match where both managers will be considering changes. The home side are really pressing for an equaliser at the moment.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Real Madrid to score a fourth as Ronaldo slides in Hernandez, but the Mexican just drifts a little too wide and fires high of the crossbar. Still 3-2 to the visitors!
Real Madrid are so dangerous on the counter attack at the moment, but Celta are doing most of the pressing in the final third. Little over 25 minutes remaining and it is still a cracking game in Vigo.
Jonny tries his luck from outside the box, but his effort was always swinging away from Casillas's far post. Celta's crisp passing has been an absolute joy in this second period, but they are still behind.
Nolito, Mina and Orellana are all involved for Celta at the moment, but they just cannot find that elusive pass in the final third. Larrivey, meanwhile, is back with us after having his wound cleaned.
Real Madrid just cannot keep the ball at the moment, but they do still have the lead with little over 20 minutes remaining. Still no movement on either bench, which is a surprise at this stage of events.
GOAL! Celta 2-4 Real Madrid (Hernandez)
Hernandez has his second of the evening as the Mexican bursts onto a through pass from Ramos before finishing into the back of the net. Super goal from the on-loan Man United forward.
SUB! Celta make their first change as Bongonda replaces Orellana.
It is a big ask for Celta to recover from this position, but one goal would at least give them hope for the final 20 minutes or so. It has been a cracking game and we are far from finished here.
SUBS! Celta make their second change as Larrivey is replaced by Charles. Meanwhile, Real Madrid make their first change as two-goal Hernandez is replaced by centre-back Pepe.
SUB! Celta make their third change as Hernandez replaces Mina.
Just a reminder that, as it stands, Real Madrid will once again move two points behind the league leaders Barcelona as the title race continues to tick on. What a final few weeks of the season!
It appears that Real Madrid are playing 3-5-2 at the moment, with Ramos, Varane and Pepe the three centre-backs and Marcelo and Carvajal playing as wing-backs. Tactical tweak from Ancelotti!
It has been a little untidy in the last couple of moments, with both sides guilty of a number of late challenges. The intensity has gone from Celta, which is not much of a surprise after the fourth goal.
SUB! Real Madrid make their second change as Jese replaces Isco.
Half-chance for the home side as Charles meets a deep cross from the right, but his header was always moving just wide of the post. Little over five minutes of this La Liga contest remaining in Vigo.
BOOKING! Ramos (Real Madrid) is booked for a late challenge on Fernandez.
SUB! Real Madrid make their third change as Arbeloa replaces James.
Celta are still enjoying a lot of possession, but they are struggling to create chances at the moment, such are the numbers that Real Madrid have in defensive areas. Backs against the wall maybe!
Fernandez has another half-chance after meeting a deep cross, but the midfielder cannot get enough power on his effort and it is a comfortable save for Casillas. We are entering the final moments here.
Nolito again dances into the Real Madrid box, but his effort whistles wide of the far post.
BOOKING! Krohn-Dehli (Celta) is booked for dissent.
BOOKING! Carvajal (Real Madrid) is also booked for dissent.
We are into the second of three added minutes in Vigo.
Not too much to report as we enter the final minute of added time. It has been a scrappy last five minutes or so, with the referee forced to intervene following a number of unsavoury incidents.
FULL-TIME: Celta 2-4 Real Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Real Madrid running out 4-2 winners in Vigo to move to within two points of the leaders Barcelona. What a cracking night of football. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
