Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has issued a rallying cry following his team’s shock 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabéu. “Can I turn the situation around? Of course,” Alonso stated. “All together, all united.”
The result marked Celta Vigo’s first victory at the Bernabéu in 19 years, with midfielder Williot Swedberg emerging as the match hero by scoring both goals. The loss deals a blow to Real Madrid’s league ambitions, leaving them four points behind rivals Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table.
The match was marred by disciplinary issues for the home side, who finished the game with nine players after receiving three red cards. According to the official match report:
Defender Fran García was dismissed in the 64th minute after receiving a second yellow card.
In the 90th minute, substitute Álvaro Carreras was shown a straight red card for verbal dissent toward the referee.
Simultaneously, forward Endrick was sent off from the bench for leaving the technical area, approaching the fourth official while shouting, and requiring restraint from a member of the coaching staff.
Post-match reactions highlighted the team’s frustration. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois expressed his feelings on social media, writing: “Very FRUSTRATED with what has happened.” He added a determined note: “Get up and get yourself together, NO TIME TO COMPLAIN but to draw conclusions.”
In a pointed official response, Real Madrid TV directly criticized the officiating, alleging in their broadcast: “This refereeing was made in Negreira!”, a reference to the ongoing controversy involving former Spanish refereeing official José María Enríquez Negreira.
The club now faces the dual challenge of regrouping from a home loss and managing a significant suspension crisis ahead of their next fixtures.
Real Madrid will play their next La Liga game against Alavés without their available full-backs, Carreras, Ferland Mendy, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dani Carvajal.
Their next fixture will be against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League.