Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid edged out Celta Vigo 3-2 in a dramatic La Liga encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu, keeping their title hopes alive ahead of next weekend`s crucial El Clasico.

Following Barcelona’s narrow comeback win over Valladolid on Saturday, Madrid needed a victory to maintain pressure on the league leaders—and they delivered, just barely. The reigning champions surged to a 3-0 lead before a late Celta comeback forced them to cling on in the final minutes.

Playing with six defenders sidelined due to injury, Madrid looked vulnerable at times but showed resilience. “The game looked done... but we suffered a bit. Still, it’s a nice victory,” said coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Turkish teenager Arda Guler impressed in a rare start, stepping in for the ill Rodrygo. The 20-year-old opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a brilliant curling finish. Mbappe added Madrid`s second just six minutes later, finishing off a swift counter-attack initiated by Jude Bellingham. Early in the second half, Guler again turned provider, setting up Mbappe’s second goal—his 24th in the league this season—bringing him within one of top scorer Robert Lewandowski.

Despite Madrid’s control, Celta Vigo mounted a late rally. Javier Rodriguez scored following a controversial corner, and Williot Swedberg added a second after a sublime assist from Iago Aspas. Thibaut Courtois had a nervous moment late on when he nearly fumbled a shot into his own net, but the ball slowed just before crossing the line.

Fede Valverde acknowledged the team’s struggles to maintain focus. “We had a very good first half, but then we fell apart. These things keep happening,” he said.

The result keeps Madrid four points behind Barcelona, with the Clasico set to be a decisive fixture. “It’s the game of the year for us—the last chance to win La Liga,” Valverde added.

Elsewhere in La Liga, Real Betis kept up their push for European qualification with a late 2-1 win at Espanyol, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Antony. Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad played out a goalless draw in the Basque derby, with Bilbao holding on to fourth place.