Sun Dec 07 22:42:18 UTC 2025: News Article:

Swedberg Double Stuns Real Madrid as Nine-Man Los Blancos Fall to Celta Vigo

Madrid, Spain – In a shocking La Liga upset, Celta Vigo defeated Real Madrid 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, thanks to a brace from substitute Williot Swedberg. The defeat, compounded by two red cards for the home side, ended Real Madrid’s perfect home league record this season and leaves them trailing Barcelona by four points.

Swedberg, who entered the game as a substitute, opened the scoring in the 53rd minute with an audacious flicked finish, diverting a cross from Bryan Zaragoza past Thibaut Courtois. Real Madrid’s night went from bad to worse when Fran Garcia received two yellow cards in quick succession, reducing them to ten men. As Real Madrid desperately searched for an equalizer, Alvaro Carreras was sent off for dissent in stoppage time, further compounding their woes. Swedberg then sealed the victory, rounding Courtois for his second goal in the game’s dying moments.

Real Madrid struggled to break down Celta Vigo’s compact defense, with star players Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior largely stifled. The hosts were further hampered by an injury to Eder Militao in the first half, forcing an early substitution. Celta Vigo goalkeeper Ionut Radu was instrumental in denying Real Madrid, making several crucial saves, including stops from Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler.

Celta Vigo manager Borja Iglesias praised his team’s defensive resilience, acknowledging the game’s “strange” ending. Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso criticized his team’s “disappointing” effort and intensity, also expressing his dissatisfaction with the refereeing decisions.

The defeat is a significant blow for Real Madrid as they prepare to face Manchester City in the Champions League this week. Celta Vigo, meanwhile, climb to 10th in the La Liga standings after securing their fourth away win of the season.

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