Vigo – Federico Valverde’s stoppage-time goal secured a crucial 2-1 victory for Real Madrid against Celta Vigo on Friday, keeping their LaLiga title hopes alive. The late strike, which deflected off Marcos Alonso, was enough to earn Los Blancos three points and reduce the gap to league leaders Barcelona to just one point.
Following the match, Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa lauded Valverde, stating he represents “everything a Real Madrid player should be.” The sentiment underscores the midfielder’s growing importance to the team, particularly in a season marked by injuries and inconsistent form.
Aurelien Tchouaméni had given Real Madrid the lead in the 11th minute at Balaídos with a well-placed shot from the edge of the area. However, Celta Vigo responded through Borja Iglesias, leveling the score and setting the stage for a tense finish.
“Fede is everything a Real Madrid player should be,” Arbeloa told Real Madrid TV after the game. “He has the spirit of Juanito [the club legend]. He has that quality that the great players in our history have had and today he carried the team on his back.”
The victory is particularly significant as it comes ahead of Real Madrid’s crucial Champions League clash against Manchester City. Barcelona will have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table when they travel to Athletic Club on Saturday. A win for Barcelona would position them four points clear of Real Madrid.
Arbeloa also took the opportunity to praise the young players who stepped up for Real Madrid, with nine first-team players unavailable due to injury and suspension. He specifically highlighted Thiago Pitarch, César Palacios, and Manuel Ángel for their contributions against Celta.
“The other day you asked me about [Pitarch], and I’ll repeat it: we have to value what he’s done,” Arbeloa said. “It’s great news. It’s been a long time since a player has come through, since Gonzalo [García] and [Raúl] Asencio… He’s a Real Madrid player.”
This win arrives after a period of scrutiny for Arbeloa, following defeats against Osasuna on February 21st and a surprising 1-0 loss at home to Getafe on Monday, which drew criticism from the Santiago Bernabéu crowd. The manager acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic.
“There’s a lot of league left, a lot of points to play for,” Arbeloa stated. “Every game will be a battle… Hopefully, [it will be one of the victories that win leagues]. Let it mark the way.”
Real Madrid now turns its attention to Wednesday’s Champions League first leg against Manchester City, a high-stakes encounter that will test their mettle on the European stage. The match at the Santiago Bernabéu will be a pivotal moment in their season, with a place in the Champions League semi-finals at stake.
The club is also celebrating its 124th anniversary on Friday, adding an extra layer of significance to the victory. Arbeloa emphasized the importance of the win in honoring the club’s rich history and tradition.
“There’s no better way to celebrate the 124th anniversary of the best club in the world,” Arbeloa said. “Real Madrid, fighting against everyone and everything. We have to celebrate it, for how the players fought.”
The resilience shown by Real Madrid against Celta Vigo, particularly with a depleted squad, speaks volumes about the depth and character within the team. Valverde’s late goal not only secured the win but also injected a much-needed boost of confidence ahead of a demanding schedule.
Real Madrid will need that confidence as they prepare to face Manchester City, a team that has consistently challenged them in recent years. The Champions League tie promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams boasting world-class talent and a rich history in the competition.
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