Kylian Mbappe scores twice as Real Madrid maintain pressure on Barcelona ahead of El Clasico

The result ensures that the defending champions remain within four points of league leaders Barcelona, whom they face in a highly anticipated Clasico next weekend.

Carlo Ancelotti's side controlled much of the match's opening hour, exhibiting dominance and precision. The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute through young midfielder Arda Guler, who executed a short-corner routine with Lucas Vazquez before curling a superb left-footed strike into the net from a tight angle.

Shortly thereafter, Mbappe doubled Real's lead, latching onto a lofted ball from Jude Bellingham and dispatching a powerful right-footed effort from the edge of the penalty area. The French international struck again early in the second half, this time courtesy of an incisive pass from Guler, finding the bottom-right corner to register his 24th league goal of the campaign - just one behind Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski in the race for the Pichichi Trophy.

Despite their apparent control, Celta Vigo mounted a spirited response in the final third of the match. Javi Rodríguez capitalized on a failed clearance following a corner to reduce the deficit in the 69th minute. Seven minutes later, Williot Swedberg added a second for the visitors, finishing calmly after a well-weighted through ball from Iago Aspas.

Under increasing pressure, Los Blancos were forced to defend resolutely in the closing stages. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois proved decisive, producing critical saves to deny both Pablo Duran and Aspas, preserving the narrow advantage.

Midfielder Federico Valverde acknowledged the team's fluctuating performance, stating, "The most important thing was the win. We played a good first half, but then we fell apart. They are a great team and they put us in trouble."

The victory marks Real fourth consecutive league win and keeps their title hopes intact with only four matches remaining. Attention now shifts to next weekend's encounter at the Camp Nou, a fixture that could prove decisive in determining the fate of the LaLiga crown.

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