Real Madrid close in on La Liga title with a helping hand in Vigo

Real Madrid are one point away from their first La Liga title in five years after they beat 4-1 Celta Vigo with a helping hand from the officials on Wednesday. 

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to move Zinedine Zidane's side into a 2-0 lead before Iago Aspas was sent off for a second booking. 

John Guidetti pulled the 10-men back into the game, but Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos both scored to ensure Madrid left Balaidos with all three points. 

Los Blancos took an early lead through a fine strike from Ronaldo from outside the box, but Celta grew into the game and dominated the first half. 

Iago Aspas and Daniel Wass both came close, but were either off target or denied by the impressive Keylor Navas. 

Aspas was booked for his protests after Raphael Varane was allowed to get away with a handball just outside the penalty box. 

Ronaldo scored his and Madrid's second after the break, finishing well again after Isco led a brilliant Madrid counter-attack after Guidetti had wasted a good chance at the other end. 

As Celta looked to get back into the game, Aspas was clattered from behind in the area by Sergio Ramos, but rather than point to the spot, the referee reached for his pocket and showed the forward a second yellow card for diving. 

Up the other end, the referee then waved away Ronaldo's protests for a penalty, deeming the Portuguese forward had dived -- although choosing not show him the caution which would have ruled him out of Sunday's game against Malaga. 

Guidetti did pull a goal back for Celta who were still creating chances, but they were always likely to tire. 

Marcelo created Madrid's third for Benzema and Kroos added a fourth late on to move Zidane's side three points clear at the top of the table, ahead of Barcelona. 

All they need is one point from Malaga on Sunday to win the title. If they lose, a win for Barcelona against Eibar would see them reclaim top spot in unlikely circumstances.