Real Madrid have moved back to within five points of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in La Liga courtesy of a 3-0 win over Celta Vigo this evening.
Celta had a glorious chance to take a shock lead early in the match when Charles beat the offside trap and broke free, but he curled his effort past the post when he should have done better.
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The visitors had another chance in the 34th minute when Hugo Mallo rose highest in the box to connect with a corner, but he planted his header narrowly over the bar.
Charles had another opportunity to break the deadlock midway through the second half, but once again he steered his effort wide of the mark having been released by Rafinha.
They were made to pay for that miss as Madrid went straight up the other end and scored, Karim Benzema finding the top corner from close range after composed play by Jese inside the area.
Cristiano Ronaldo flashed a shot just wide 10 minutes later, but he wouldn't have to wait much longer for a goal, doubling his side's lead in the 82nd minute with a finish from close range.
Celta almost gave themselves a lifeline in the dying stages when Gustavo Cabral met Nolito's deep cross at the back post, only to put his header wide.
Ronaldo then capped off the scoring for the hosts when he slotted home after good work from Gareth Bale to find him from the right.
Barney Corkhill
