Real notch fourth win in a row

Real Madrid notched a fourth straight win under interim coach Santiago Solari by winning 4-2 at Celta Vigo on Sunday to move to within four points of La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Karim Benzema gave the European champions the lead in the 20th minute with an irresistible piece of control and finish.

The Frenchman was then instrumental in doubling the lead early in the second half, firing a shot which squirmed under goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez and over the line off Celta defender Gustavo Cabral.

Real's lead was far from comfortable, though, and Hugo Mallo pulled the home side back into the game with a well-taken volley on the hour mark which preceded a spell of heavy pressure from Celta.

Madrid managed to ride it out and killed the game off as a contest with a late 'Panenka' penalty from captain Sergio Ramos and a thunderous strike from Dani Ceballos in stoppage time, although Brais Mendez struck a late consolation goal for Celta.

Real have moved up to sixth on 20 points from 12 matches in a jam-packed La Liga table, closing the gap on leaders Barca, who remain on 24 after being beaten 4-3 at home by Real Betis.