Mbappe scores twice as Real Madrid beat Celta Vigo

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Celta Vigo. This victory brings Madrid within four points of La Liga leaders Barcelona. The match comes before El Clasico next weekend.

Carlo Ancelotti's team took the lead in the 33rd minute. A short corner was worked to Arda Guler. His curling shot found the top corner after a slight deflection.

Mbappe doubled the lead six minutes later. He finished high past Celta goalkeeper Vicente Guaita during a quick counterattack.

The French striker scored again three minutes into the second half. He ran onto Guler's excellent through ball and slotted it into the bottom corner.

Celta Vigo did not give up. Javi Rodriguez pulled one back with over 20 minutes left, finishing close range after Madrid failed to clear a corner.

The match became tense when Iago Aspas set up Williot Swedberg for a goal at 76 minutes, making it 3-2.

Pablo Duran nearly equalized two minutes later. He was sent clear by another brilliant pass from Aspas, but Thibaut Courtois saved his shot.

As Celta pushed for an equalizer, chances arose at both ends in a frantic finish. However, Los Blancos held firm to secure three crucial points.

This victory means defending champions Madrid head to Barcelona next Sunday. A fifth straight league win would leave them just one point behind their rivals with three games remaining.

Meanwhile, Celta remains seventh as they continue their fight for a European spot.