3 things we learned from Real Madrid’s 4-2 win over Celta Vigo

Barcelona were probably hoping that a very talented and defensively stingy Celta Vigo side were going to help them to a title, and for a half, they just about did that. But Real Madrid had too much quality in the end, and eventually ran out 4-2 winners, despite an excellent performance by the home side.

Nolito’s opener was a stunner, and he made Dani Carvajal look awful on the play. The former Barca man picked up the ball on the left, then just about shook Carvajal out of his boots before finishing past Iker Casillas.

Madrid fought back quickly, and had the lead after just 24 minutes. Toni Kroos equalized, tapping in after a Celta defender cleared a Cristiano Ronaldo cross/shot hybrid off the line. ‘Chicharito’ Javier Hernandez scored the second, hitting an impressive finish from a narrow angle off a through ball by James Rodriguez.

But stunningly, Celta equalized off a brilliant bit of play by Santi Mina. The teenager was played in on goal and hit the post with his first shot, but followed up and finished off the rebound to tie the match at 2-2 after 28 minutes.

Celta continued to play well for the rest of the match, but they wouldn’t score another goal, and their defense couldn’t hold up. Madrid went into halftime up a goal thanks to James, who scored with a deflected shot just before the break.

Chicharito added his second goal to seal the win for Madrid in the 69th minute, and in spectacular fashion. Sergio Ramos’ through ball was exceptional, but Chicharito’s first touch and composed finish might have been even better. From there, Celta had no way back into the game.

Goals: Nolito (9’), Mina (28’)

Goals: Kroos (16’), Hernandez (24’, 69’), Rodriguez (43’)

1. James and Isco are presenting a selection dilemma - It hasn’t been easy for Carlo Ancelotti to pick his team when everyone’s healthy at any point this season, but the performances of James Rodriguez and Isco on Sunday are going to make his life even more difficult. Only two of this pair and Gareth Bale can play at a time, and Bale was in excellent form before he got injured. What’s Ancelotti going to do against Juventus?

2. Maybe Chicharito won’t stay, but he has options now - Even though he scored the game-winner against Atlético Madrid and two awesome goals in this game, it seems unlikely that Javier Hernandez will stay with Real Madrid next season. But on the basis of his last two performances, he’ll have a lot more suitors than he would have otherwise, and Manchester United might even consider giving him another chance, since Robin van Persie is cooked and Falcao certainly isn’t worth signing permanently.

3. Celta are great to watch - They’re in ninth place with a positive goal differential on a nothing budget for a reason. They play some of the best football in the division, and their games against top teams have been awesome to watch. They combine pragmatic defensive play with actually attempting to play football very well for a team of their stature.