On December 7, 2025, at the Bernabéu Stadium, the evening began under an atmosphere of respect: the crowd observed a minute of silence in tribute to Xabier Azkargorta — a distinguished figure in Spanish and international football, former director of Real Madrid’s International Sports Schools — and paid tribute also to journalist and writer Alfonso Ussía, a loyal Madrid supporter and a voice in Spanish media. The emotional start, however, contrasted starkly with how the match unfolded for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid started with ambition and created some clear opportunities against Celta Vigo. Early on, their first serious chance came from a corner: a header from Jude Bellingham was tipped over by the visiting goalkeeper. Minutes later, a threatening move by Celta forced Éder Militão to intervene and stop a run, preventing a one-on-one situation, but in the process, Militão was injured and had to leave the pitch.
The closest Real Madrid came to a goal in the first half was in the 38th minute: a combination involving Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Arda Güler led to a shot from Güler that drifted just wide. In the closing moments before the break, Vinícius had another chance, but the Celta keeper denied him.
By halftime, it was 0–0, with Real Madrid having dominated possession and looked capable, although it had failed to convert.
After the break, Real Madrid’s urgency remained: Fede Valverde unleashed a powerful long-range shot that forced a strong save from the goalkeeper. In the 54th minute, however, Celta surprised — substitute Williot Swedberg converted a cross with a deft back-heel to put them ahead.
The situation worsened for Real Madrid in the 64th minute when Fran García was shown two yellow cards in quick succession, reducing Real Madrid to ten men.
Despite being a man down, Real Madrid tried to fight back: Mbappé had a lob over, and free-kick attempts — even a headed attempt from substitute Gonzalo García near the end, but nothing troubled Celta’s defence or keeper.
In stoppage time, after further dismissals, including Álvaro Carreras, Celta wrapped up the win: Swedberg again, after a final attack, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home to seal a 2–0 victory.
The defeat marks Real Madrid’s first home loss of the season, ending their unbeaten run at the Bernabéu that stretched back months.
Even on a difficult night, Real Madrid’s season remains firmly on track — and the coming matches present ample opportunity to reassert their rhythm.