Mbappe Brace Keeps Real In Title Race With Barca

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe scored twice as the club edged out Celta Vigo 3-2 in a thrilling encounter to remain within striking distance of La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Following Barcelona 's comeback win at Valladolid on Saturday, Madrid held off a spirited late push from Celta to maintain the four-point gap heading into next Sunday's El Clasico.

The reigning champions, currently second, were left hanging on at the Santiago Bernabeu against seventh-placed Celta, pushing for a European place.

Despite crashing out of the Champions League and losing the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona last week, Carlo Ancelotti's side are still determined to overhaul Hansi Flick's team in the title race.

Madrid were hampered by a string of defensive injuries but eventually took control after withstanding early pressure. Twenty-year-old Turkish midfielder Arda Guler impressed in his start, deputising for the ill Rodrygo.