Hernandez stars for Real Madrid in six-goal thriller

Javier Hernandez struck twice as Real Madrid kept the pressure on Barcelona at the top of La Liga by reducing the Catalans’ lead to two points with an enthralling 4-2 win at Celta Vigo on Sunday. 

Nolito fired the hosts into an early lead before goals from Toni Kroos and Hernandez turned the game around. Santi Mina brought Celta level, but James Rodriguez’s deflected effort put Madrid in front once more before the break and Hernandez rounded off the scoring in style 22 minutes from time. Hernandez had starred with the only goal of the tie as Real beat Atletico Madrid for the first time in eight meetings this season to reach the Champions League semifinal. However, they were pushed onto back foot straight away by a side that already claimed the scalps of Barcelona and Atletico in La Liga this season. 

Nolito opened the scoring after just nine minutes as he eased past the weak challenges of Dani Carvajal and Asier Illarramendi before leaving Iker Casillas flat-footed with a low shot that rolled in at the near post. 

Celta’s lead lasted only seven minutes as Cristiano Ronaldo’s dangerous cross from the right was cleared only as far as Kroos at the edge of the area and the German curled home just his second goal for Madrid. 

The visitors then went in front as Hernandez’s scoring streak continued with a fine low finish after a neat one-two with Rodriguez. 

In the second half, Hernandez sealed three points in stunning fashion as he controlled Sergio Ramos’s brilliant ball over the top before slamming past Alvarez for his fourth goal in as many games.