After drawing with Celta Vigo, Real Madrid are 16 points behind Barcelona.

Celta Vigo 2-2 Real Madrid

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

Playing in La Liga for the first time since their 0-3 defeat to Barca late last year, Real wanted to demonstrate their determination to bounce back with a fast-paced style of play. Celta Vigo were equally determined, having previously held Barca to draws in both of their opening matches 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 were lively with continuous attacks on each other's goal.

Had the post not prevented Iago Aspas' close-range volley in the 12th minute, Celta Vigo could have scored the opening goal earlier. Real also had two dangerous moments for goalkeeper Ruben Blanco's goal, including a volley from Cristiano Ronaldo and a volley from Marcelo.

Celta Vigo took the lead thanks to a sharp counter-attack in the 33rd minute. Having pushed forward to attack, Marcelo was unable to get back in time to block Daniel Wass's run down the left flank for Real Madrid. With ample space to shoot, Wass beat goalkeeper Keylor Navas with a lob from 20 meters.

Goalkeeper Navas paid the price for leaving the 5.5-meter box.

Trailing by a goal, Real Madrid played with more precision and effectiveness. The reigning champions responded quickly with a through ball from Toni Kroos to Gareth Bale in the 36th minute. Goalkeeper Blanco rushed out but couldn't stop the Welsh star's shot into the far corner in a one-on-one situation.

Capitalizing on their momentum, Real continued to deliver a "cold shower" to Celta Vigo in the 38th minute. Bale once again made a clever run, receiving a through ball from Isco and finishing with a one-touch shot to beat goalkeeper Blanco for the second time.

Bale shone with his exquisite finishing.

This is Bale's third goal in just the first two matches of 2018. Last week, against Numancia in the Copa del Rey, the recently returned star contributed a goal to Real's 3-0 victory with a penalty to open the scoring.

But Real's performance against Numancia was different from their game against Celta Vigo. After taking a 2-1 lead, the defending champions not only failed to capitalize on it to secure the victory but were also put under pressure by Celta Vigo. From the start of the second half, with their skillful passing game, the home team constantly forced Real to retreat into defense.

Celta Vigo could have equalized in the 72nd minute if Iago Aspas had been more accurate with his penalty. After being fouled by Navas inside the penalty area, Aspas fired a low shot from 11 meters straight into the hands of the opposing goalkeeper.

Undeterred by their missed opportunity to equalize, Celta Vigo attacked more aggressively. In the 82nd minute, the home team's efforts were rewarded when Wass crossed from the right wing for Maxi Gomez to head home, leveling the score at 2-2.

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

Thanh Quy