Real Madrid: 3 takeaways from a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo

Nacho Fernandez steps up again

Sergio Ramos had to miss Matchday 17 with an illness, as he was suddenly omitted from the squad on Friday afternoon. Real Madrid could have turned to Eder Militao, but, instead, Zinedine Zidane went with the more experienced Nacho Fernandez against a fearsome Celta Vigo attack featuring Iago Aspas, Nolito, and Santi Mina.

A couple of chances aside, Celta were kept quiet despite having a lot of possession. And Nacho deserves a whole lot of credit. He wasn’t the only standout performer defensively – Casemiro had seven defensive interventions, for example – but he was the one who stood out in a tough spot with Ramos out.

According to WhoScored.com, Nacho had three tackles, two interceptions, four clearances, and a pair of blocked shots. Those are excellent numbers and are reflective of his influence in this game, which included an early goal-saving block before Vazquez’s opener.

Quietly, Nacho is having an excellent season, and it is fair to state that the 30-year-old is one of the best backup defenders you will find in European football. He is consistent, composed, and willing to give everything for his team. It’s a real honor to still have him in the squad. Vazquez was a deserving Man of the Match recipient, but Nacho was also brilliant for Los Blancos.