With Bitter Memories from Copa del Rey
Fear in Madrid: Celta Vigo Aims to Take Revenge on Real Madrid
Celta Vigo is determined to avenge their painful defeat in the Copa del Rey against Real Madrid.
According to reports, “What happened at the Bernabeu was seen by all of Spain,” said Iago Aspas, recalling Celta Vigo’s controversial elimination from the Copa del Rey round of 16.
Real Madrid won that match 5-2 in extra time, but the game was overshadowed by a contentious decision: a penalty not awarded by referee Munuera Montero for a collision between Lunin and Larsen, immediately after which Kylian Mbappe scored the opening goal for Real.
This incident left Celta’s camp in complete disbelief, especially due to the lack of VAR intervention. Celta Vigo also protested the decision on social media, calling it unfair.
Now, Celta returns to the Santiago Bernabeu with a revenge motive and the goal of securing three points that could effectively knock Real Madrid out of the La Liga title race. A draw or home defeat for Real on Sunday, coupled with a Barcelona victory in next week’s El Clasico at Montjuic, would secure an early title for the Catalans.
Celta currently sits seventh in the table, and a win at the Bernabeu could put them on track for Europa League qualification next season. Aspas has yet to win at the Bernabeu with Celta in La Liga.
Celta’s last La Liga victory at the Bernabeu dates back to November 2006—nearly 19 years ago. Fernando Vazquez’s team won 2-0 that day. That defeat was also Fabio Capello’s first home loss with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.