MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid scored on a deflected shot in the 94th minute against Celta Vigo on Friday, winning 2-1 and closing the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona to one point.
Madrid were looking to avoid three consecutive defeats for the first time since 2018, but needed a huge amount of luck to take all three points.
In the 11th minute, Aurélien Choameny fired a shot from just outside the penalty area, but the Celta keeper tripped and gave the Reds the lead.
Celta’s experienced striker Borja Iglesias equalized for the home side after 25 minutes with his third goal in four games, but strike partner Iago Aspas unfortunately saw his shot bounce off the post with two minutes left as both teams looked for a winner.
However, a big stroke of luck in the final seconds gave Madrid the victory.
Federico Valverde’s shot from outside the box deflected nicely, denying keeper Ionuto Radu a chance.
“It hurt because it was right before death,” Iglesias said. “It’s a little frustrating.”
Barcelona will face Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. Madrid have 63 points and Barcelona have 64 points.
Celta remains in 6th place with a score of 40.
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