A ferocious cross from Benzema deflects off a Celta defender and then off the chest of Vinicius. The ball flies over the bar from point blank range but the Brazilian knew little about it.
Madrid had been enjoying a long period of possession with Celta chasing shadows and its Kroos who agan picks the pass for Benzema, who glides across the area and finishes with his left.
Tapia joins Vincius in the ref’s notebook for a little tug on Vázquez’s shirt. A bit harsh perhaps but it wasn’t particularly clever from the Peru international in Madrid’s half with Vázquez going nowhere of note.
Well, that came out of nowhere. Kroos spots an opening between three Celta defenders and finds Benzema, who takes a touch and buries it past Villar at the far post! The first moment of quality from other side and it gives Madrid the lead!
Watch: Watch: Karim Benzema Amazing Goal | Celta Vigo 0-1 Real Madrid
Bit of a lull as both sides probe the other’s defences for weakness. Not much crisp passing on the deck going on at the moment, probably as a result of wind whipping around Balaídos. It’s end to end stuff, but not in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Another mistake from Mallo, back in the side today after injury, as Vinicius nicks his attempted pass out from the back. Celta close ranks though and Madrid are pushed back towards halfway.
The wind plays another trick, this time on Celta keeper Villar, who comes out for a ball that moves in the air and Vinicius is almost through there! Hugo Mallo probably should have dealt with that but Celta escape as Vinicius’ touch fails him.