Celta Vigo 2-4 Real Madrid: 5 talking points

Real Madrid survived a tough test at the Balaidos stadium as they overcame a sturdy Celta Vigo side 4-2 to cut the deficit at the top to just two points.Toni Kroos and Javier Hernandez cancelled out Nolito’s early opener before Santi Mina levelled the scores for the home side just before the half hour mark. James Rodriguez restored the visitors’ lead two minutes before the half-time whistle and Chicharito completed his brace midway through the second half to put the tie effectively beyond Celta Vigo’s grasp.Los Blancos remain hot on the heels of leaders Barcelona and continue their hopes of a league triumph with only 5 rounds to go. Here are the 5 talking points from the game:

#1 Defensive blues for Real Madrid

One of the fundamental reasons for Real’s recent resurgence in form was the shoring up of their defence. Their rearguard had found its element and had conceded only 2 goals in the last 6 games.

A trip to the Balaidos is always going to be tricky and to win there, you need to have a solid backline, something which Real lacked in the first half and which nearly left them in the lurch.

Celta exposed Real’s fragile defence and hassled them at the back for large chunks of the match. Marcelo and Carvajal’s habitual inclination to drift forward left tremendous space at the back and the home side relentlessly tried to capitalize on it. The latter especially, was far from his best and was completely overrun by the opposition’s attackers.

Although the visitors showed improvement at the back in the closing half of the game, the two goals which they conceded could have been easily avoided had it not been for their howlers and gaffes early on. Real need to take care of this in the forthcoming games, as it may prove costly in front of bigger and better opponents.

#2 Playing for his future, Chicharito delivers again

Looking from a larger perspective, Chicharito’s time at Real may not deemed a stupendous success, but the highlight of his loan spell is surely going to be these last few weeks of the season, where he has been on song and stepped up to the plate during moments of need.

With first-choice striker Karim Benzema still recuperating from his injury, the Mexican once again started the game and for a second game running, bailed his side out from nervy times. Chicharito forged a great partnership with Ronaldo upfront, as both of them created quite a few inviting chances.

Buoyed by his goal that catapulted Real into the last 4 of the Champions League just four days ago, the 26-year added two more to his tally this evening to continue his recent impressive prowess in front of goal.

Chicharito’s loan term with Real Madrid is set to expire at the end of the season and there haven’t been any talks of an extension yet, which is a strong indication of a departure. However, that still isn’t a worrying prospect for him as there surely are many suitors lining up for his services during the summer.

#3 Nolito at the centre of all Celta Vigo\'s attacks

Celta Vigo winger Manuel ‘Nolito’ Duran was one of the stars of their impressive run during the initial weeks of the season. The Spaniard’s trickery on the ball and ability to squeeze a chance out of the blue earned him a call-up from Spain back in November against Germany. But the 28-year-old hasn’t been invited to the national team after that.

In this game, he proved how vital he can be to the reeling La Roja, as he was one of the better players going forward, constantly running at his markers, cutting inside, and putting dangerous crosses for the forwards to score from. The first goal of the game was an indication of the same.

Nolito couldn't break into the international team on account of their star-studded squad as a youngster, but considering his form this season, he should be, or deserves to be in the team. The Celta Vigo star has 10 goals and 11 assists to his name from 28 La Liga appearances.

#4 Celta Vigo never fail to entertain at home

They may be 9th in the table and out of the reckoning for any of the European spots, but Celta Vigo are a different proposition at home altogether. Mid-table battlers, Celta Vigo have proved to be a tough obstacle for top teams and have pulled off a few shocks this season.

The Galicians have always proved to be a formidable side at home and have established an entertaining brand of football, which is one of the best in the division. They combine pragmatic defensive play with an actual focus on playing good football very well for a team of their stature.

Their performance against the top sides of Spain has been their highlight of the season and irrespective of where they end up finally in the table, they have been a delight to watch.

#5 Real need to improve as tougher tests lie ahead

With just 5 rounds of fixtures remaining, this away trip to Celta Vigo was one of the three major hurdles in Real’s road to the title. They came out unscathed this time, but the question remains whether they can hold on against two tough opponents in Sevilla and Valencia.

Arch-rivals Barcelona are already leading at the top by 2 points and if the capital club are to harbour any hopes of snatching the title way from them, then they have to avoid any further slip-ups.

Real need to ensure that they get their A-game against both Sevilla and Valencia, as only wins in both those matches will help them keep up the pressure on Barcelona in this title race. Complete synchrony in the team is essential for them to overcome their current injury problems and maintain their challenge for silverware.