This was supposed to be an easy game for Real Madrid. The La Liga leaders; seemingly looking on course for the championship; ahead of even Barcelona. And Celta Vigo; struggling in the bottom three and having an abject-by-their-standards season. And yet such is the beauty of La Liga these days: that any team can beat any team; similar to the English Premiership.
And so it was that after only seven minutes: the dangerous-looking ex-Liverpool legend Iago Aspas threaded a perfect through ball for Fedor Smolov to latch on and score past Thibaut Courtois in the Madrid goal. Madrid may have somewhat underestimated Celta and looked a little stunned in the first half. They had suitable possession but couldn't do much to make it count; with their crosses lacking precision and their movements lacking fluidity.
Zinedine Zidane must have done what the doctor ordered; as Madrid came out for the second half a changed animal. Their movements were suddenly looking dangerous; and their forays down the left flank were looking increasingly likely through Marcelo. Eden Hazard and Karim Benzema. And it was through such a foray that they equalised; as Marcelo's cut-back was beautifully steered home by the left foot of German star Toni Kroos.
Celta were now stuggling a bit; and things were made worse for them when another foray down the left saw Benzema release Hazard deep into the Celta penalty area. Celta 'keeper Ruben Blanco rather unnecessarily brought Hazard down even though the winger had already played the ball out; and the referee pointed to the spot after a moment's think-through. Captain Sergio Ramos despatched a nerveless penalty low into the corner; and it now looked like Real's game to dominate.
Celta were struggling to get a foot-hold back into the match when suddenly; with only five minutes remaining; two of Oscar Garcia's substitutes combined brilliantly to put Celta level; with Denis Suarez threading a sublime through-pass for Santi Mina to slot home. It was a brilliant goal after a quite-brilliant team-passing move from the visitors.
In the end, the diving Rafinha blocked the final Real shot and symbolised the Celta spirit as he crashed to the floor in jubilation at the final whistle. It was indeed a memorable away point that they and their fans will never forget.
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