Nine-Man Real Madrid Stunned at Bernabéu by Celta Vigo

Madrid, 8 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- A chaotic and costly Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu saw Real Madrid suffer its first home defeat of the campaign, falling 2-0 to Celta Vigo after finishing the match with only nine men. The result widens the gap to league leaders Barcelona to four points.

Celta’s Williot Swedberg broke the deadlock in the 54th minute with an intelligent flick from close range. Madrid’s discipline then crumbled, with defender Fran García receiving a second yellow card in the 64th minute. The situation deteriorated further when Álvaro Carreras was dismissed in stoppage time, leaving the hosts with nine. Swedberg capitalized on the numerical advantage shortly after, sealing the victory with a late breakaway goal.

Manager Xabi Alonso’s side, which had previously only lost in league play away to Atlético Madrid and in Europe to Liverpool, missed key opportunities to level the match. Both Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé failed to convert promising chances before the dramatic defensive collapse.

The defeat was compounded by an early injury to key defender Éder Militão, who was forced off in the first half. Madrid now sits just one point ahead of third-place Villarreal, who hold a game in hand.

For a resurgent Celta Vigo, the statement victory—their second win in three matches—propels them to tenth in the table. Meanwhile, Madrid must regroup quickly after a damaging form that handed the initiative to Barcelona, who defeated Real Betis 5-3 on Saturday.

--- Ends/Khalid