Celta Vigo pulled off one of the most remarkable results of the La Liga season by defeating Real Madrid two nil at the Santiago Bernabeu, securing their first league victory at the stadium in nineteen years. The visitors’ triumph was built on a disciplined, energetic performance and the brilliance of Williot Swedberg, who scored both goals after coming on at halftime, leaving Madrid and their fans stunned. From early defensive lapses to chaotic late moments marked by red cards and furious protests, the match unfolded as a dramatic spectacle that will be remembered for years.
Real Madrid entered the match with a strong squad despite the absences of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Eduardo Camavinga. Kylian Mbappe, who has sixteen goals and four assists in fifteen matches this season, once again led Madrid’s attack. However, the home side struggled to find rhythm from the opening stages and were repeatedly frustrated by Celta Vigo’s organisation and defensive resilience.
First Half
Celta Vigo created the first real opportunity inside seven minutes with an early attempt that forced a corner. Real Madrid responded with intermittent periods of pressure, but their build-up lacked tempo and precision. Around the twentieth minute, Eder Militao suffered a hamstring injury while preventing a Celta scoring opportunity. His withdrawal disrupted Madrid’s defensive structure and required an early substitution for Antonio Rudiger.
Arda Guler produced Madrid’s clearest chance of the first half in the thirty fourth minute, forcing a strong save from Ionut Radu. Vinicius Junior followed with another promising attempt, only to be denied again. Celta countered with quick transitions that continually tested Madrid’s back line.
The first half ended with several Real Madrid corners, including deliveries in the forty third and forty fifth minutes, yet none yielded a breakthrough. The Bernabeu grew restless, reacting both to the team’s lack of sharpness and several refereeing decisions that supporters felt were inconsistent.
Second Half
The match shifted dramatically after halftime. Pablo Duran, who had injured his shoulder early in the game, was replaced by Williot Swedberg. Just eight minutes later, Swedberg finished with composure to give Celta Vigo the lead. The goal highlighted both his instinctive movement and Madrid’s defensive lapses, leaving the home crowd shocked and frustrated.
Real Madrid attempted to regain control, but their task became increasingly difficult when Fran Garcia received two bookings shortly after the hour mark. His dismissal further enraged the Bernabeu supporters, who felt the referee had applied the rules inconsistently. From that moment, every contentious decision from the referee was met with loud protest from the stands.
Despite the pressure, Madrid continued to search for an equaliser. Mbappe produced two of the clearest chances, in the seventy fifth and seventy sixth minutes, lifting the ball over Radu only for it to land on the roof of the net. These moments captured Madrid’s evening: plenty of possession and effort but little end product.
Late Drama and Swedberg’s Second Goal
The closing stages were chaotic and intense. Early in the second half, Jude received a yellow card for entering the pitch without the referee’s permission after leaving to receive treatment for a cut above his eye. Later, Fran García was sent off after receiving two yellow cards, and Álvaro Carreras also saw red following a second yellow in stoppage time. Rodrygo was booked moments later for dissent. Players gestured angrily, and the crowd erupted in outrage as tensions boiled over
Amid the turmoil, Celta Vigo remained calm and ruthless. Exploiting the numerical advantage and Madrid’s disarray, Swedberg surged forward in the eighteenth minute of stoppage time. With composure beyond his years, he slotted the ball past the stranded goalkeeper to score his second goal of the night, sealing a historic victory and leaving the Bernabeu stunned. The final whistle blew over a stadium divided between celebration, disbelief, and simmering anger at the referee’s decisions, bringing one of La Liga’s most dramatic nights to a close.
A Historic Result
Celta Vigo’s win lifts them into tenth place and provides a significant boost to their season. Their performance was defined by organisation, concentration, and the decisive impact of Swedberg, whose two goals and composed presence made him the outstanding player of the match.
Real Madrid remain second in La Liga, but this defeat exposes concerns over injuries, discipline, and defensive consistency. Supporters’ strong reaction throughout the second half reflected a belief that the refereeing did not favour their team, adding to the tension. Questions now surround coach Alonso’s next steps. How will he reorganise the defence for their upcoming Champions League clash against Manchester City?
For Celta Vigo, the evening belonged to Williot Swedberg, who transformed the match after coming on at halftime and delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come. Joy and celebration were palpable among the visitors, while Real Madrid and their fans were left shocked, frustrated, and reflecting on what might have been.
