Real without Mbappé — still clutch on timing
Real Madrid keep moving forward, even on nights that look messy. At Celta Vigo, they grabbed a precious 2-1 win thanks to a Federico Valverde strike in stoppage time.
A win by grit, almost by force, in a game Madrid never really controlled. But in title races, nights like this matter the most.
Without Kylian Mbappé, still injured, Madrid had to show they can win without their main attacking spark. Mission: accomplished — even if questions remain.
Tchouaméni sets the tone
Madrid actually started the night well.
On 11 minutes Aurélien Tchouaméni smashed one in — it hit the post and bounced over the line. A fair reward for a player who bossed the midfield again.
For months the former Monaco man has been the midfield boss. Snaps back possession, wins tackles, drives forward — he was one of the few Madrid players to keep a steady level throughout the match.
🚨 OFFICIAL! Aurélien Tchouameni 🇫🇷 is named MAN OF THE MATCH for the 3rd straight time! 🎖️🤍 pic.twitter.com/0P7ZXQomoe
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) March 6, 2026
But Madrid’s lead didn’t last long.
Celta bite back and expose Madrid’s holes
Signs of wobble crept in, especially down Madrid’s right.
On 25 minutes Borja Iglesias levelled for Vigo after a Williot Swedberg run, exploiting overly soft marking from Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Englishman had a rough night — often beaten in duels and sloppy in his clearances.
Celta grew in confidence and started to trouble a Madrid side that looked inconsistent.
Vinicius tried to wreck the Galician defence, but he kept getting doubled, sometimes tripled, with no real support around him.
The match stuttered, closed up, and became frustrating for both sides.
A finish gone totally mad
The game nearly flipped for Celta.
Real had a handball shout turned down in the box, then Iago Aspas — subbed on at 37 — rattled the post minutes after coming on.
Balaídos thought they had the upset.
But Real have that something that lets them survive the hottest moments.
Valverde pounces at the death
In stoppage time Vinicius finally found space and rolled it back to Federico Valverde. The Uruguayan let fly straight away. It took a slight deflection… and nestled in.
90+4.
🚨🇪🇸 FEDERICO VALVERDE HAS WON IT IN THE 94TH MINUTE FOR REAL MADRID!
Celta Vigo 1-2 Real Madrid.pic.twitter.com/SBUrHAN6WM
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) March 6, 2026
Real have snatched it at the death.
Brutal for Vigo, but classic Madrid: they refuse to let it slip.
Three points that matter in the title race
Beyond the display, this keeps Real in the fight at the top.
Alvaro Arbeloa’s men move to within a point of FC Barcelona and keep the pressure on in the title chase.
The football wasn’t always pretty. Mbappé’s absence is obvious in the attacking spark.
But one thing stays true to Madrid’s identity.
When a match descends into chaos in the final minutes, Real almost always find a way out.
Photo by Miguel RIOPA / AFP
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