MATCH REPORT. 25/08/2023. Rodrigo Salamanca. Photographer: Antonio Villalba
Madrid get the win in Vigo thanks to the Englishman's fourth goal in three games as they stay at the top of LaLiga.
Three LaLiga wins out of three for Real Madrid, who remain at the top of the table and remain unbeaten in the competition. Ancelotti's side overcame Celta in Balaídos thanks to a Bellingham goal in the 81st minute. The Englishman is in an impressive vein of form and has netted four times in the first three games of the season. Kepa makes his Madrid debut in goal.
Celta thought they had taken the lead in the third minute through Larsen from a corner. But the referee disallowed it after wathcing the incident on the monitor where he was able to see the forward grab Kepa. Madrid's reply came shortly afterwards as Valverde's long-range effort was saved by Villar. Bad news came in the form of an injury to Vini Jr, who had to be replaced by Joselu (18').
The Galician side approached the visitors' area again but this time a Mingueza effort from a Cervi cross was just over the bar. The match was end to end and Madrid made it 1-0, but Joselu's goal was ruled out for offside. Before half-time, Bamba, following some good individual play, failed to hit the target with his curling effort.
After the break, Ancelotti's side took control of possession and it was Rodrygo who struck in the 56th minute when his shot from the edge of the area was deflected wide. Madrid increasingly dominated the game and created the best chance of the game just six minutes later. Valverde and Rodrygo linked up before the later whipped in a low cross, Joselu let it through his legs and it fell to Bellingham. The Englishman controled the ball with his right foot and Valverde ran on to the ball but missed the target by inches.
Bellingham secures the three points
The pace of the math was frenetic and our team made the most of it to push forward. Rodrygo was brought down by the goalkeeper inside the box in the 66th minute. The referee pointed to the penalty spot, the Brazilian stepped up but Villar pulled off a great save. Celta replied immediately through Iago Aspas, who shot wide.
Madrid continued to push for a goal and they were rewarded with nine minutes to go. A corner was swung in from the right by Kroos, Joselu flicked the ball to the far post and Bellingham got in front of his defender to head home, recording his fourth goal in three games. A hard fought win for our team and nine points from nine at the start of the campaign.
