Real Madrid CF kept their La Liga title hopes alive after a dramatic 2-1 victory over RC Celta de Vigo, thanks to a late winner from Federico Valverde deep into stoppage time.
Madrid, who had slipped four points behind rivals FC Barcelona following back-to-back defeats against CA Osasuna and Getafe CF, appeared destined to drop more points before Valverde struck in the dying moments.
The visitors had earlier taken the lead in the 11th minute through Aurélien Tchouaméni.
The French midfielder met a cut-back pass from Arda Güler, following a short corner routine involving Trent Alexander-Arnold and fired a first-time effort into the far corner off the post for his first league goal since April 2024.
Despite the early breakthrough, Madrid were unable to build momentum and RC Celta de Vigo responded strongly.
Their persistence paid off in the 25th minute when Williot Swedberg outmuscled Alexander-Arnold to chase down a long ball before cutting it back for Borja Iglesias, who calmly slotted past Thibaut Courtois to level the score.
Celta nearly turned the game around before halftime, but Courtois produced a brilliant save to deny Swedberg from close range.
After the break, Madrid gradually increased the pressure. Vinícius Júnior forced a save from goalkeeper Ionuț Radu, while Antonio Rüdiger fired over from distance.
The hosts also threatened, with Iago Aspas coming close after cutting inside and sending a low shot that beat Courtois but struck the post.
As the match entered five minutes of added time, Madrid still looked short of inspiration. However, Valverde came to the rescue in the 94th minute.
The Uruguayan midfielder picked up a loose ball outside the area and unleashed a powerful strike that took a decisive deflection off Marcos Alonso, leaving Radu wrong-footed.
The late goal secured a crucial victory for Madrid, who were missing injured stars Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, and provided a timely confidence boost ahead of their upcoming UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester City FC.
