Real Madrid 16 points behind rivals Barca
Real Madrid wasted a brace by Gareth Bale as it fell further behind the top three teams after drawing 2-2 at Celta.
Bale’s two goals in a threeminute span in the first half overturned an opener by Celta’s Daniel Wass.
But they weren’t enough for the win amid an uninspiring performance by Cristiano Ronaldo, and poor defending by Marcelo and the rest of Madrid’s backline.
Celta outplayed Madrid in the second half and its defenders left unmarked striker Maxi Gomez to head in a pass by Wass for an equalizer in the 82nd.
Celta’s Iago Aspas went close to scoring twice, hitting the post early and having a penalty kick saved by Keylor Navas after the goalkeeper had fouled him in the 71st.
The result left Madrid 16 points behind Barcelona, although with a match in hand, after only manleague aging to win three of its last eight games.
“I have to find out what the problem is,” coach Zinedine Zidane said. “Sometimes we play 90 minutes well, but it is true that recently we don’t do it regularly. We need to have more confidence in our chances, and recently we don’t have the confidence to play 90 minutes well.”
Asked whether he will be making new signings in this month’s transfer window, Zidane insisted he is not interested. He accepted responsibility for Real Madrid’s apparently hopeless La Liga title defence.
Retaining their crown is all but out of reach for Madrid, who have been linked with Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, Chelsea duo Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard, Tottenham star Harry Kane and others.