Real Madrid continued the start of this new 2022/23 LaLiga campaign with another victory. After last weekend’s victory over Almería, the Whites put on a fine display at Balaídos against Celta to temporarily move to the top of the league standings. Benzema, from the penalty spot, Modrić, with a wonder strike, Vini Jr. and Valverde grabbed the goals for the madridistas, who picked up a second consecutive away win.
The game was mostly a open one and both teams had chances, with Real appearing more accurate, finding the target in half of their 16 shots. It was not a simple match and Celta held their own against a great Real and even threatened Ancelotti’s team in some occasions but once the 2nd goal of Real was scored at the end of the 1st half, the pressure started to weigh down the Vigoans. This made things easier for Madrid to manage.
The clash got off to a frantic start and Celta carved out the game’s first opening when Óscar’s freekick was well held by Courtois (3’). Moments later, Valverde tried his luck from distance, but his shot flew over the crossbar. Both sides continued to press for a goal until Real Madrid opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Modrić’s corner was headed goalwards by Tchouameni and Alaba’s follow-up effort struck the hand of Tapia. The referee awarded the penalty after the intervention of the VAR and Benzema converted the spot-kick to make it 0-1.
Celta were then awarded a penalty after a handball in the box by Militão and Aspas equalised on 23’, drilling the penalty past the outstretched Courtois. On the half-hour mark, Cervi went close with a fierce strike. In the 42nd minute, Modrić cut inside to beat Tapia before unleashing a fine curling strike from outside the area that found its way into the top right corner of the hosts’ goal. On the stroke of halftime, Marchesín had to be at his best to deny a shot at point-blank range from Vini Jr. after a fine piece of individual play from the Brazilian.
The Galician side were quick out of the blocks after the break, coming close when Paciencia shot across goal, but Madrid continued to push on and would add to their lead with 56 minutes on the clock. Modrić found Vini Jr. with a sublime pass in behind the defence and, having sprinted from the centre of the pitch, the Brazilian raced through up against the goalkeeper, before rounding him and stroking the ball into the empty net.
The White Team were looking comfortable in every area of the pitch and creating chances at will now, and it wasn't long before a fourth goal materialised. In a swift transition, Tchouameni spread the ball out to the left-hand side for Vini Jr. from inside his own half and the winger threaded a pass to the other side for Valverde, whose rasping first-time drive made it 1-4.
The very next move saw Benzema come within inches of a brace, only to see his effort well kept out by the hosts' goalkeeper. With four minutes left on the clock, Hugo Mallo fouled Benzema in the box following a superb run by Rüdiger on the right-hand side, but Marchesín stopped Hazard’s spot-kick and the result remained the same.
Comentarios