Real Madrid’s LaLiga title defense suffered a major setback on Sunday as mid-table Celta Vigo stunned the Santiago Bernabéu with a 0-2 victory, courtesy of a brace from Williot Swedberg.

The defeat, marred by two red cards, leaves Madrid four points behind leaders Barcelona ahead of a crucial Champions League clash with Manchester City.

Madrid dominated possession before 74,511 fans but failed to convert chances in a goalless first half. Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Arda Güler all spurned opportunities, while Celta nearly struck through Pablo Durán.

The breakthrough came in the 53rd minute when Swedberg, introduced at halftime, controlled Bryan Zaragoza’s lofted pass and rifled a volley into the top corner. Madrid’s woes deepened in the 64th minute as Fran García received a second yellow card for a rash challenge. In stoppage time, substitute Álvaro Carreras was dismissed for dissent, reducing the hosts to nine men. Celta capitalized, with veteran Iago Aspas setting up Swedberg’s second goal in the 90+3rd minute to seal their first Bernabéu win in 19 years.

Coach Xabi Alonso blasted his side’s performance as “poor from start to finish,” criticizing referee Alejandro Quintero’s decisions but admitting Madrid’s lack of ruthlessness. Celta boss Claudio Giráldez praised his team’s “clinical edge” and Swedberg’s “world-class finish.”

The loss compounds Madrid’s struggles, with Éder Militão limping off injured and Jude Bellingham suspended domestically after a booking. Madrid remain second with 36 points from 16 games, while Celta climb to 10th on 19 points, extending their unbeaten run to five matches.

With Barcelona maintaining their lead, Alonso faces a pivotal week: stabilizing Madrid’s domestic form or risking a European stumble against City.