Without their coach Carlo Ancelotti, positive for Covid-19, the Merengues benefited from three penalties, two of which were converted by their favorite center forward Karim Benzema, who exceeded his highest total of goals scored in a season in the jersey of Real with 34 achievements in 35 matches in 2021-2022 in all competitions.

Benzema transformed a first penalty caused by Eder Militao in the 19th, then Celta equalized on the return from the locker room thanks to Nolito, served in the axis by Javi Galan (52nd).

Benzema saw his second penalty obtained by Rodrygo being repelled by Matias Dituro (63rd) (who had put on a cap to protect himself from the glare of the sun), but he caught up on his third attempt five minutes later (65th) .

The French center-forward, who took advantage of the international break to treat his left calf pain, returned as starter and captain four days before the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Chelsea on Wednesday (9:00 p.m.).

And he was directly decisive, for his 6th game in a row with Real.

Courtois flies away

The "White House" trembled, however.

The inbound post goal scored with a header by Thiago Galhardo in the 40th minute was canceled by the referee for an offside position by Iago Aspas, who accompanied the ball without touching it before it entered the cage .

Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois diverts the ball on the Celta Vigo pitch, April 2, 2022 MIGUEL RIOPA AFP

And before, Thibaut Courtois had to fly away to deflect a superb free kick fired by Captain Aspas who was heading towards the left corner (23rd).

With this success, it's easier for the people of Madrid to forget the debacle against Barça in the clasico lost 4-0 at the Santiago-Bernabéu just before the truce on March 20.

The Merengues also found Ferland Mendy, back from injury.

And a new face made a fleeting appearance on the bench: Abián Perdomo, head of training at Real Madrid, was the head coach of the Merengues on Saturday in Vigo, due to the absence of Carlo Ancelotti positive for Covid. .. and also because his son and first assistant, Davide, does not have the qualifications required to be the first coach in Spain.

While Atlético Madrid receives Alavés in the evening (9 p.m.), Real widens the gap with Barça and Sevilla, who face off on Sunday (9 p.m.) at Camp Nou.

© 2022 AFP