Federico Valverde struck deep into stoppage time as Real Madrid ended a two-match losing run in La Liga with a dramatic 2–1 victory away to Celta Vigo, moving to within one point of leaders FC Barcelona.

Celta arrived in excellent form, having won their previous four matches in all competitions, and nearly made the perfect start after just five minutes. Borja Iglesias fired a low strike from 20 yards that forced Thibaut Courtois into a sharp save down to his right.

Madrid soon found their rhythm, though, when Vinícius Júnior burst in behind the defence and clipped an effort against the post. Moments later, the visitors made their pressure count. After Aurélien Tchouaméni saw a shot deflected behind for a corner, Real cleverly worked the set piece back to the French midfielder, who swept home his first league goal of the season in the 11th minute.

Madrid had won all 18 previous La Liga matches this season in which they had opened the scoring, but Iglesias looked determined to end that streak. The striker latched onto a through ball shortly after but was again denied by Courtois’ fingertips.

He would not be denied a third time. In the 25th minute, Williot Swedberg shrugged off Trent Alexander-Arnold down the left flank before squaring the ball for Iglesias, who calmly turned in the equaliser.

The game settled after that, with clear chances limited before half-time. The closest either side came was when Swedberg tested Courtois again on the stroke of the interval with a powerful side-footed effort.

The second half struggled to produce much goalmouth action early on, with the first attempt arriving in the 60th minute when Ferran Jutglà glanced a corner toward goal, only for Courtois to gather comfortably.

Real Madrid, managed by Álvaro Arbeloa, began to show more attacking intent as the match progressed. Youngsters Thiago Pitarch and César Palacios both saw promising efforts blocked by Carl Starfelt, while Madrid were also frustrated when a potential handball by Jutglà during a corner was not given following a lengthy VAR review.

Despite dominating territory late on, Madrid struggled to create clear chances and nearly paid the price in the 87th minute. Veteran forward Iago Aspas fired a shot from inside the box that bounced agonisingly off the post.

Celta appeared set to extend their unbeaten run to six matches across all competitions, but in the fourth minute of stoppage time a poor clearance fell invitingly for Valverde. The Uruguayan unleashed a strike from 25 yards that took a huge deflection on its way past Ionuț Radu, snatching victory for Madrid.

The dramatic win ensures Los Blancos remain unbeaten away to Celta in Vigo since 2014 and keeps them firmly in the hunt at the top of the La Liga table.