Three things you might have missed from Real Madrid 0-2 Celta Vigo

Real Madrid find themselves spiralling into a situation that is far more alarming than the scoreline alone suggests.

The defeat to Celta Vigo did not just cost them crucial points; it exposed a team drained of intensity and a coach struggling to inject urgency.

Xabi Alonso saw his side collapse at the Santiago Bernabeu in a way that left many questioning the team’s mentality.

The loss has widened the gap between Real Madrid and league leaders Barcelona to four points, and the contrast between the two rivals could not be clearer.

Barcelona have surged back to life after their setback in El Clasico, rediscovering rhythm and belief.

Madrid, meanwhile, look static and disconnected, as though the weight of recent performances had sapped the drive out of them.

Much has already been said about the chaotic ending of the match, including the cards, the protests, the frustration spilling over from the stands and the touchline.

But several quieter moments during the game and after the final whistle deserve attention, as they paint a deeper picture of a team losing emotional control.

As tensions escalated in the final minutes, Real Madrid were already shaken by Fran Garcia’s expulsion.

– Sunday, 7 December 2025

The atmosphere became even more volatile when Álvaro Carreras picked up a second yellow.

It was in this heated moment that Vinicius turned toward referee Alejandro Quintero González with a cutting remark.

The winger showed clear signs of frustration, waving his arms and pacing near the official. Then he spoke: “Get more reds” , as reported by SPORT .

That brief phrase summed up the frantic, uncontrolled ending of the match. Madrid finished with three players sent off, including Fran Garcia, Carreras and Endrick, while Celta added a second goal in stoppage time.

Another notable episode came away from the pitch. Dani Carvajal , recovering from injury, had gone down the tunnel while the match was still at 0-1, a routine move for players who cannot remain on the bench.

– Sunday, 7 December 2025

But once the final whistle blew, witnesses reported a tense and unexpected outburst.

Carvajal approached the referee with a visibly stern expression. Then, with emotions clearly running high, he launched into his comment,

“The level you’re playing at… and then crying at a press conference.” These words were later included in the match report.

Because Carvajal was not in the squad, the usual disciplinary procedures do not apply.

Still, the authorities will decide whether his remarks merit a financial sanction, the only form of punishment that would have any practical impact while he remains injured.

Real Madrid were already chasing the game when disaster struck in rapid succession.

– Sunday, 7 December 2025

Garcia received his first yellow card for halting a Celta counterattack. Seconds later, he mistimed another challenge.

Two fouls, two yellows, and Madrid were suddenly left with ten men at the worst possible moment.

Cameras captured Alonso’s reaction instantly. He threw his hands up, visibly stunned, and marched toward the technical area in disbelief.

In the heat of the moment, he shouted the words that defined his frustration: “Don’t f**k with me!”

It was a rare, raw show of emotion from a coach who had already watched Militao go off injured and a match slip away due to avoidable errors.

His reaction reflected not only irritation with the referee but a growing sense that Madrid lacked calm and discipline at decisive moments.