Celta Vigo 1-3 Real Madrid: Five talking points

Real Madrid survived a late onslaught to pick up all three points at Balaidos as they subjugated Celta Vigo to their first defeat of the season with a 3-1 win, and now remain the only side yet to be beaten in Spanish top flight.Cristiano Ronaldo opened the account for the evening in the 8th minute from a tight angle, before Danilo doubled their lead from the same position after some sloppy defending from the hosts. The Galicians were then reduced to 10-men in the second half after Cabral was sent off for haranguing the referee, but refused to throw in the towel and rallied forward in search of a life-line.For all their valiant fight, Celta found one when striker Nolito struck a thunderous effort from the edge of the box to half the deficit, but all hopes of a comeback were quashed when Marcelo scored deep in the extra time to put the result beyond Celta’s grasp.The victory leaves Blancos at the summit of the standings, but they can be joined by Barcelona if they beat Eibar at home, a day later. Here are the five talking points from the game.

#1 Real Madrid\'s defence shines again

For all their defensive frailties of last season, Real Madrid have metamorphosed into a team with one of the best defensive records in Europe this campaign. With only two goals conceded in 11 games prior to this clash, Los Blancos were truly leading an example from the rump of the team.

The defensive quartet of Danilo, Varane, Ramos and Marcelo, dispatched a resolute showing at the back and held the hosts for large spells of the game. Whether it was breaking Celta’s counter-attack, or close marking of players or even thwarting them in the final third, Real’s defence were simply a class apart.

Although the momentum began to fizzle out a little in the final few moments when the Galician outfit started pressing high up relentlessly, there’s no denying the durability this Real Madrid rearguard showcased for the better part of the game.

With such a stout defense, Blancos are fast becoming a force to be reckoned with in Europe.

#2 Casemiro shows his class

With each passing week, Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro is growing in stature and becoming more and more important to his side. Sent out on a loan spell to Porto last season, the Brazilian was recalled to the Spanish capital this term by Rafa Benitez, and the Spanish gaffer’s decision is yielding pricless dividends.

Casemiro, deployed at the base of the midfield, provided a shield to the back four and played the architect behind breaking Celta’s flow. He won possession time and again and played passes ahead to instigate attacks for the visitors.

The 23-year old was one of the star performers for the Meringues in their midweek tie with Paris St.Germain, and put on another spectacular performance here in Balaidos. He may not be a first choice player when the regulars return to fitness, but Casemiro has served a role in this team that is worth it’s salt.

#3 Nolito crucial to Celta\'s fortunes

Celta Vigo striker Nolito is one of the foremost reasons for the Galicians’ impressive run in the league this term. With 6 strikes in 8 games, the Spaniard appeared to have hit a purple patch in front of the goal, and added another strike to the tally after his wondrous goal against Los Blancos in this game.

Having signed from Benfica in 2013, the 29-year old had already culled the likes of Sevilla, Barcelona and Villareal this season, and has now added Real Madrid to the list of big teams he has stamped an authority on with a great goal.

Celta Vigo have had one of the best starts to a La Liga season in their recent history, and if they are to continue in the same vein throughout, they must tie Nolito up as Barcelona have reportedly come calling for his services.

#4 Navas just can\'t stop impressing

After 12 games under his belt this season and just three goals surrendered, it’s quite clear that Keylor Navas has been one of the best goalkeepers in Europe so far. The Costa Rican was on the brink of moving to the red half of Manchester in the summer as a part of the swap deal that would see David de Gea fill his boots in Madrid, but it eventually failed to materialise and the former Levante man ended up staying in Spain.

This has, however, come as a blessing in disguise as the Blancos shotstopper is asserting himself as a world-class goalkeeper. Installed as the no.1 choice in goal after the departure of Iker Casillas, Navas repaid Benitez’s faith with one sterling show after another.

Against the latest opposition, the 28-year old was the cynosure for some eye-catching moments as Navas pulled off crucial saves that preserved his side’s lead in the game. His reflex saves have grabbed many an eye-balls, and it was on full display at the Balaidos when he denied the hosts with his dexterity.

Navas has been one of the consistent performers for Real Madrid this season, and is set to play a starring role in their tite aspirations.

#5 Cabral puts Celta in the lurch

Celta Vigo defender Gustavo Cabaral is known for his physical approach in a game, and his recklessness has been brought under the scanner in the past. The Argentinian somehow, escaped the watchful eye of the referee everytime this season, but was finally brought to the books against Real Madrid.

The 30-year old aggressive defender first fouled Sergio Ramos for pulling his shirt and within seconds, collected his second yellow for needlessly getting involved in an altercation with the referee. His sending-off meant that the hosts had to play the remaining 30 minutes with a man less, and eventually had to pay for his blunder when Marcelo struck the visitor's third to wrap up matters.