Real Madrid are alone at the top of the Spanish Liga after a 3-1 win Saturday at second-placed Celta Vigo that was much tighter than the final result suggests. The main difference between the two teams was their sharpness in front of goal. Real keeper Keylor Navas gave another sensational display - and Celta had defender Gustavo Cabral rather harshly sent off. Cristiano Ronaldo gave the Whites the lead in the eighth minute by turning in a centre from Lucas Vazquez, then 15 minutes later right-back Danilo took advantage of more sloppiness from Celta down the flanks to make it 2-0 after being set up by Jese. From then on, Real's hero was Navas, who kept Celta at bay with a string of impressive saves. Navas has conceded just three goals in 12 matches in La Liga and the Champions League, which is a new club record. Nolito reduced arrears for the hosts with a thumping drive 10 minutes from time, then John Guidetti missed a good chance to equalize, to the exasperation of packed Balaidos. Celta came forward desperately for an equalizer and Marcelo made it 3-1 for Real on the break in the final minute of stoppage time, straight after Ronaldo had missed another clear chance. Real now have 21 points from nine games, three more than Celta and also Barcelona, who will host sixth-placed Eibar Sunday.
