Real Madrid defeated Celta Vigo 3-2 thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler.

With four games remaining in the Spanish top division, defending champions Real Madrid’s fourth consecutive victory maintained their hopes of winning the championship.

Shortly after the half, Guler took a short corner to one-two with Lucas Vazquez before sending a superb left-footed shot from a tight angle through a gap between players to break the tie for Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

Six minutes later, Mbappe doubled Real’s lead after Jude Bellingham’s lobbed ball sent the Frenchman running into the opposition half and into the net with a right-footed drive from the box’s edge.

Three minutes into the second half, Mbappe’s second goal was set up by Guler’s through pass. The 26-year-old found the bottom-right corner to record his 24th league goal of the year.

However, Celta Vigo, who had only lost twice in their last 11 league games and had two early chances through Marcos Alonso, were not going to give up.

With their first goal 69 minutes in, the visitors launched a comeback, with Javi Rodriguez punishing the Real defense for not clearing Sotelo’s attempt off a corner with a close-range finish.

Seven minutes later, Iago Aspas found Williot Swedberg in the area with a precise through pass, and Swedberg scored Celta Vigo’s second goal.

Real Madrid performed admirably in the closing minutes despite pressure, as Courtois made vital stops to keep the home team ahead by denying Pablo Duran and Aspas.

Ahead of next week’s El Clasico, Real Madrid is still four points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

“The victory was the most crucial factor. “They are a fantastic team and they put us in trouble,” midfielder Federico Valverde told Real Madrid TV after the team’s strong first half.

Courtois continued, “Now, let’s get ready for next Sunday,” alluding to the forthcoming match against Barcelona.