Real Madrid moved to within eight points of LaLiga leaders FC Barcelona after defeating Celta Vigo 2-0 on Saturday night.
LaLiga
Result: Real Madrid 2-0 Celta Vigo
Date: 22 April 2023
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu
Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti made five changes from the win over Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, as Nacho, Antonio Rudiger, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Ceballos and Marco Asensio were recalled.
The wholesale changes from Ancelotti seemingly had an effect on the tie, with the hosts struggled to keep a hold of the ball and failing to carve out chances in the opening 15 minutes.
The game's first opening arrived on 21 minutes when Vinicius Junior did well to play in Karim Benzema with a neat flick, but the Frenchman sent his effort into the stands.
Other than Benzema's disappointing effort, chances were few and far between on both ends, which would have left Ancelotti more frustrated after his side enjoyed most of the possession.
However, Los Blancos did get the breakthrough on the stroke of halftime as Asensio fired in via deflection from close range after being picked out by Vinicius.
The lead was doubled a couple minutes into the second half when Asesnio turned provider to pic out Eder Militao, who sent a powerful header past goalkeeper Ivan Villar.
It was one-way traffic at the Bernabeu as the hosts nearly grabbed a third goal after the hour mark but Villar produced a superb save to keep out Benzema's close-range header.
With 13 minutes to play, Celta nearly reduced the deficit against the run of play as Iago Aspas saw his curling effort tipped away by Real shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois.
Nevertheless, Los Blancos were able to see out the latter stages of the half to claim three points and a clean sheet, but they will hope city rivals Atletico Madrid can defeat Barcelona on Sunday.
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