Real Madrid Faces Crisis After Shock Home Defeat to Celta Vigo – Urgent Breaking News
Madrid, Spain – December 8, 2025 – In a stunning upset that reverberates through La Liga and casts a shadow over Real Madrid’s Champions League ambitions, Celta Vigo secured a decisive 2-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu. The defeat, punctuated by two red cards for Los Blancos, has ignited a firestorm of criticism and raised serious questions about Xabi Alonso’s leadership and the team’s current form. This is a developing story, and archyde.com is providing up-to-the-minute coverage.
A Night of Frustration and Red Cards at the Bernabéu
The atmosphere at the Bernabéu was one of growing frustration as Celta Vigo, currently 16th in La Liga, systematically dismantled Real Madrid’s attack. The match was marred by disciplinary issues for the home side, with Fran Garcia receiving his marching orders in the 64th minute for a pair of quick yellow card offenses. Carreras followed suit in the 92nd minute after a heated exchange with the referee, leaving Real Madrid to finish the game with just nine players. Even a red card shown to Endrick on the bench added to the chaos.
Swedberg Shines as Celta Exploits Madrid’s Defensive Woes
Celta Vigo’s victory wasn’t simply a result of Madrid’s misfortunes; it was a testament to their own tactical discipline and attacking prowess. Swedish forward Swedberg proved to be the hero of the hour, scoring both goals. The first came early in the second half, expertly set up by a clever backheel assist from Bryan Zaragoza. Swedberg’s second goal sealed the victory amidst the late-game turmoil for Real Madrid. Goalkeeper Radu also played a pivotal role, making several crucial saves to deny Madrid’s attempts to claw their way back into the match.
From Clásico Dominance to a Worrying Slide
Just weeks ago, Real Madrid appeared to be cruising towards La Liga dominance, holding a five-point lead over Barcelona after their victory in El Clásico on October 27th. However, a series of disappointing results – including losses to Liverpool and draws against Rayo, Elche, and Girona – have seen that lead evaporate. They now trail Barcelona by four points, with Villarreal breathing down their necks in third place. This dramatic shift in fortunes has sparked comparisons to Rafa Benítez’s brief and unsuccessful tenure at the club following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure in 2015.
Alonso Under Pressure: Echoes of Benítez?
Xabi Alonso, lauded for his tactical acumen and high expectations, is now facing scrutiny. While not immediately in danger of losing his job, the parallels between his current situation and Benítez’s are becoming increasingly apparent. Benítez, known for a more rigid approach, struggled to connect with the squad and ultimately lasted less than six months. Alonso’s methods, perceived as less empathetic than Ancelotti’s, are reportedly causing friction within the team. The contrast is stark: Ancelotti, enjoying a relaxed life on the beaches of Ipanema, left a legacy of both success and a positive team environment.
Defensive Crisis Deepens for Los Blancos
Adding to Madrid’s woes is a mounting injury crisis in defense. With Huijsen, Carvajal, Alexander-Arnold, Alaba, and Mendy already sidelined, Militao suffered an injury during the match against Celta. This leaves Alonso with a severely depleted defensive line ahead of a crucial Champions League quarter-final clash against Manchester City. The prospect of facing Haaland and Doku with a makeshift backline is a daunting one.
What This Means for Vincenzo Italiano and Bologna
While Real Madrid grapples with its internal struggles, Vincenzo Italiano, manager of Bologna, will be carefully observing. Celta Vigo is Bologna’s next opponent in the Europa League, and this victory demonstrates their potential to upset even the most formidable teams. However, it’s important to note that Celta’s away form is inconsistent, having won only two of their ten games on the road. Italiano will undoubtedly be preparing his team for a challenging encounter, but Madrid’s current form shouldn’t necessarily instill excessive fear.
The defeat at the Bernabéu serves as a stark wake-up call for Real Madrid. The team’s defensive vulnerabilities, disciplinary issues, and Alonso’s evolving managerial style are all areas that require immediate attention. As they prepare to face Manchester City, Los Blancos must rediscover their form and resolve if they hope to salvage their season and maintain their status as a European powerhouse. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and expert analysis of La Liga and the Champions League.