Three second-half goals handed Real Madrid a 3-0 win over Celta Vigo in their La Liga contest at the Bernabeu on Monday evening.
The away side had a number of opportunities throughout the contest, but left with nothing after a close-range strike from Karim Benzema and a Cristiano Ronaldo brace in the second 45 minutes.
The result means that Madrid are now five points behind joint-leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in La Liga, while Celta have dropped into 18th position on goal difference.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two La Liga rivals.
Match statistics:
Real Madrid:
Shots: 18
On target: 8
Possession: 62%
Corners: 12
Fouls: 12
Celta Vigo:
Shots: 15
On target: 1
Possession: 38%
Corners: 9
Fouls: 9
Was the result fair?
In truth, the home side deserved to collect all three points this evening, but not with a 3-0 scoreline. Celta caused Madrid a number of problems throughout the 90 minutes and might have taken something had their finishing been better. Three goals flattered Madrid after they struggled to create clear openings for much of the contest, but it was the result not the performance that was all-important in this particular match.
Real Madrid's performance
Madrid were not at their free-flowing best this evening - far from it - but they managed to score three times without reply. Their embarrassment of riches in the final third means that they will always score goals, but teams know that they can get at Los Blancos due to their shaky defence. The form of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid means that they cannot afford a single slip-up - a challenge that will be welcomed by the likes of Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, who once more impressed after entering 30 minutes from time.
Celta Vigo's performance
It is hard not to be impressed by Celta's ability in possession, not just his evening, but all season. However, the simple fact of the matter is that they sit in 18th position in the table having won just four league games in the new campaign. Luis Enrique's side arguably put in their best performance of the season this evening, but lost 3-0 after missing a number of opportunities. Finishing is their main problem, but in terms of talent and personnel, they should be nowhere near the bottom of the table.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Dani Carvajal: Ronaldo will gain the headlines following his late brace, but Daniel Carvajal was the star of the show this evening. The Madrid right-back was a constant menace in attacking areas, while he also demonstrated his ability to defend with a number of last-ditch challenges. It appears that he might have edged out Alvaro Arbeloa in the Madrid XI.
Biggest gaffe
Charles had two wonderful chances for Celta this evening, but could not take either. His first brought a fine save from Diego Lopez after just seven minutes, before he fired wide following good work from Rafinha in the second half. It might have been a different story had the Brazilian forward converted at least one of those opportunities.
Referee performance
The home side and in particular head coach Carlo Ancelotti took exception to a number of decisions from Alfonso Alvarez in the first period, but the Spaniard did get the majority of the incidents correct. He was hardly seen in the second 45 minutes, however, as he allowed the match to flow in the correct areas. It was a comfortable evening for Alvarez in the Spanish capital.
What next?
Real Madrid: Los Blancos are in Copa del Rey action at home to Osasuna on Thursday, before returning to their league duties away to Espanyol on Sunday.
Celta Vigo: Celta have a free week due to their elimination from the Copa del Rey against Athletic Bilbao and therefore do not return to action until a home La Liga clash with Valencia on Saturday.
Matt Law
