Real Madrid 4-0 Celta Vigo: Vinicius Jr on target as Carlo Ancelotti’s side re-establish seven-point La Liga lead

Real Madrid’s relentless march to a 36th la Liga title continued with a 4-0 thumping of Celta Vigo, leaving them seven points clear at the top of the table.

It was far from vintage Real but Carlo Ancelotti’s side were seldom threatened in the match, although for much of the game the teams were only separated by Vincius Junior’s 21st-minute close-range strike.

That was until the 78th minute when Antonio Rudiger diverted a Luka Modric corner onto the bar, before the ball hit the back of Vincente Guaita and went in.

Guaita had a good game in the main, but he missed Vinicius’ cross two minutes from time and the unfortunate Carlos Dominguez could do nothing as the ball deflected off him for a second own goal.

The most joyous moment for the crowd came with almost the last touch as young Turkish substitute Arda Guler scored his first goal for the club.

Celta are just one place and two points clear of the relegation zone after third-bottom Cadiz’s shock victory over Atletico Madrid this weekend.

The last game saw Jude Bellingham get a red card, albeit one Real are contesting vehemently, and the only way this game could have been in jeopardy is if Vinicius Jr was red-carded in the second half.

His frustration was understandable when his run was hampered for about ten yards by Oscar Mingueza, but some referees would have given him his marching orders when he got up to push the defender over, rather than give both players yellow cards with the score at 1-0 ten minutes into the second half.

Brahim Diaz was a worthy replacement for Bellingham against Celta, but the absence of either of their key forward players would seriously hinder their challenge for a 15th European Cup/Champions League trophy.

Next season potentially with Kylian Mbappe, Real will have the attacking talent to make up for Vinicius’ or Bellingham’s absence in major games, but it is not the case this year.

Despite the eventual scoreline, Real Madrid’s stellar attacking talent were not at their best, but Modric was his usual faultless self in the middle of the park, ensuring his side remained in control throughout the game, and his perfect set-piece delivery made the first two goals possible.

He received a special ovation when he left the field with two minutes remaining in his first league start since January, with Real fans undoubtedly savouring what may be one of his last games in a white shirt with the club legend out of contract in the summer.

Real Madrid: Lunin 6; Lucas Vazquez 7, Rudiger 8, Nacho 7, Mendy 7; Camavinga 7, Modric 8*, Valverde 7; Brahim Diaz 7; Vinicius Jr 7, Rodrygo 6.

Subs: Joselu 6, Tchouameni 6, Kroos 6, Ceballos 6, Guler 7.

Celta Vigo: Guaita 6; Manquillo 6, Starfelt 7, Unai Nunez 6, Manu Sanchez 6; Beltran 6, De la Torre 5, Mingueza 5; Bamba 6, Strand Larsen 5, Iago Aspas 6.

Subs: Dominguz 5, Cervi 6, Sotelo 5, Douvikas 6.

21′ GOAL! REAL MADRID (VINICIUS JR) 1-0 CELTA! The corner was met by Rudiger’s header and though Guaita made a good reaction stop from this and Vinicius’ first effort, the Brazilian latches onto the second rebound to put his side in front.

35′GUAITA DENIES RODRYGO! Celta almost masters of their own downfall as they give the ball away on the edge of their own box as Vinicius slips in Rodrygo but with the angle narrowing he shoots low with his left foot and the Celta stopper blocks with his legs.

45+2′LATE CHANCE FOR CELTA! Aspas’ free kick finds De La Torre at the back post but with a clear header he can only send the ball over the bar.

79′GOAL! REAL MADRID (GUAITA OG) 2-0 CELTA VIGO! Rudiger met Modric’s corner with a bullet header and it came back off the crossbar before bouncing and hitting the unfortunate goalkeeper’s backside and going over the goalline.

87′FINE GOALKEEPING FROM GUAITA! Joselu was played in by Vazquez and he pushes the ball past the goalkeeper but the ex-Crystal Palace goalkeeper stretches to block his shot. The linesman’s flag went up but replays suggest a goal would have been given.

88′GOAL! REAL MADRID (DOMINGUEZ OG) 3-0 CELTA VIGO! Vinicius’ cross is missed by Guaita and the ball then deflects off the unsighted substitute Dominguez and into the net.

90+4′ GOAL! REAL MADRID (GULER) 4-0 CELTA! In the last minute of stoppage time, Guler scores his first goal for Real Madrid. A moment he will never forget. Valverde slides a ball through to the young Turkish talent who rounds the goalkeeper before slotting home.