Real Madrid 2-0 Celta Vigo: Marco Asensio and Eder Militao get on scoresheet in La Liga victory

Real Madrid beat Celta Vigo 2-0 at the Bernabeu to move within eight points of La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti rotated his squad following midweek European action, and a rare start for Dani Ceballos paid dividends when the Spain midfielder played a pivotal role in the opening goal.

Following a rare Celta attack, Madrid countered and Ceballos played the perfect ball to Vinicius Jr.

The Brazilian found Marco Asensio in the box and the former Mallorca winger struck from close range.

The goal came in the dying moments of an opening half that Real had dominated, but failed to take full control of.

Eder Militao headed a great chance into the ground just before half time, but after the break he made up for it with an excellent headed goal from a corner.

In the 49th minute, with the hosts 2-0 up and cruising the game was all but over.

Celta continued to work hard, but never troubled goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

This was a ruthless, professional performance from the hosts who always looked like they had several more gears in reserve.

Los Blancos face Girona on Tuesday, looking to keep up the pressure on Barca, while Celta will try to bounce back at home against Elche on Wednesday.

Talking point: How did this Madrid drop so many points?

This was an absolutely professional performance from Los Blancos. Facing a tricky side after midweek European exertions, Madrid effortlessly picked up three points tonight, which raises the obvious question: how have they failed to do so so often this season? Carlo Ancelotti’s side are cooking right now, and look like they have a good chance of adding another trophy or two to their bulging cabinet by the end of the season.

Seeing the ease with which they did so tonight, it makes some of those strange results earlier in the season even more difficult to understand. They should be neck and neck with Barcelona, but instead they are eight points behind having played a game more.

Player of the Match: Vinicius Jr

The Brazilian was Real Madrid’s entire attack against Celta. He had six dribbles in the first half alone, and got the crucial equaliser for the opener. He drew four fouls in those opening 45 minutes, including a yellow card for Kevin Vazquez.

By the time he went off, Vinicius had produced a frankly ridiculous 16 dribbles.

In the absence of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, Madrid’s attack was more fluid and seemed to suit Vinicius’ energy. He found space where there was none, and combined as brilliantly with veteran striker Karim Benzema as ever. It was no surprise to see the Brazilian given a standing ovation when he was replaced late on.

Player ratings

Real Madrid: Courtois 6, Rudiger 7, Militao 8, Camavinga 8, Nacho 6, Tchouameni 7, Ceballos 6, Valverde 6, Benzema 6, Vinicius 8, Asensio 7. Subs: Vazquez 6, Modric N/A, Rodrygo 7.

Celta: Villar 7, Nunez 6, Tapia 7, Galan 7, Vazquez 6, Veiga 7, Beltran 6, De la Torre 5, Solari 5, Aspas 7, Seferovic 5. Subs: Cervi, Swedberg, Rodriguez, Rodriguez, Paciencia, Carrillo, Dominguez, Strand Larsen, Fernando, Sanchez.

Match highlights

42′ GOAL REAL MADRID – Vinicius pulls it back for Asensio to slam home from close range. The attempt took a little deflection on the way through, too.

48′ GOAL REAL MADRID – Eder Militao threatened to do that in the first half, but this time the header pings into the goal instead of the ground.

61′ VILLAR DENIES BENZEMA – A great save to keep the Frenchman at bay.

78′ ASPAS ALMOST ROUNDS COURTOIS – An excellent run and deft touch nearly take the veteran around the keeper but he sticks out an arm and flicks the ball away.

Key stats

Real Madrid: 90% – The hosts had complete domination of the ball in the final 15 minutes, a testament to their experience in seeing out victories. Celta huffed and puffed but couldn’t lay a glove on the Europoean champions.

Celta: 2 – The visitors managed just two shots in the opening 48 minutes. They had barely crossed halfway in earnest before Militao’s header made it 2-0. It is demonstrative of the meekness of their performance in the Spanish capital. .