Draw with Celta Vigo, Real is 16 points behind Barca

Celta Vigo 2-2 Real Madrid

Goals: Wass 33', Maxi Gomez 82' - Bale 36', 38'

Playing in La Liga for the first time since losing 0-3 to Barca at the end of last year, Real wanted to show their determination to bounce back with a fast style of play. Celta Vigo were not to be outdone, having held Barca to a draw in both of their opening games of the season (one in La Liga and one in the Copa del Rey). Thanks to the efforts of both sides, the early stages of the match became exciting with continuous attacks on each other's goals.

If Iago Aspas' close-range volley had not been blocked by the post in the 12th minute, Celta Vigo could have opened the scoring early. Real also had two dangerous situations for goalkeeper Ruben Blanco, including Cristiano Ronaldo's connecting kick and Marcelo's volley.

Celta Vigo took the lead thanks to a sharp counter-attack in the 33rd minute. Having pushed forward to attack, Marcelo did not have time to retreat to block Daniel Wass's escape on Real's left wing. With a comfortable space to finish, Wass beat goalkeeper Keylor Navas with a lob from 20 meters.

Goalkeeper Navas paid the price for leaving the six-yard box.

Falling behind, Real played more accurately and effectively. The defending champions had a quick "answer" with a through ball from Toni Kroos to Gareth Bale in the 36th minute. Goalkeeper Blanco rushed out but could not stop the Welsh star's shot into the far corner from a one-on-one position.

Taking advantage of the excitement, Real continued to pour "cold water" on Celta Vigo in the 38th minute. Bale once again moved wisely when he ran down to receive Isco's through ball, and at the same time finished with one touch, defeating goalkeeper Blanco for the second time.

Bale shines with his exquisite finishing.

This is Bale's third goal in just the first two matches of 2018. In the middle of last week, when meeting Numancia in the King's Cup, the newly returned star contributed a goal to Real's 3-0 victory with a penalty to open the scoring.

But Real in the match against Numancia was different from Real when playing against Celta Vigo. After having a 2-1 advantage, the defending champion not only failed to take advantage to win but was also put under pressure by Celta Vigo. From the beginning of the second half, with a technical passing style, the home team continuously forced Real to retreat to defend.

Celta Vigo could have equalized in the 72nd minute if Iago Aspas had been more accurate with his penalty kick. After being pulled down by Navas in the box, Aspas fired a low shot from 11 meters straight into the opposition goalkeeper's reach.

Undaunted after missing the equalizer, Celta Vigo attacked more strongly. In the 82nd minute, the home team's efforts were rewarded when Wass crossed from the right wing for Maxi Gomez to head in and level the score at 2-2.

The draw in round 18 left Real with 32 points. Despite having a game in hand, the defending champions are 16 points behind leaders Barca. Real are also seven points behind Atletico Madrid and five behind Valencia.

Thanh Quy