Gareth Bale scored twice in two minutes to turn a 0-1 deficit into a 2-1 lead but holders Real Madrid hardly produced any show after the break as Celta Vigo held them to a 2-2 draw.
Real’s all attack approach looked porous once again as they were caught on breaks. Iago Aspas hit the post before Raphale Varane misjudged a header and it led to an opener for Daniel Wass and Celta Vigo at the Estadio Balaidos in the 33rd minute.
However, a rare perfect through ball from Toni Kroos in the 36th minute was perfectly slotted home with the first touch by a chasing Bale as Real drew level.
The hosts didn’t learn from their mistake and couple of minutes later, another break and another through ball led to another goal for the former Spurs’ striker.
It was Bale’s first brace since November 2016.
Bale has been superb whenever he has stepped on the ground but his injuries deprive him of the credit he deserves.
When the second half started, Real were leading 2-1 but they hardly put up a show as a result the home side pressed more and that ultimately paid off when they got a penalty. Navas saved that, controversially, to keep his side still in the lead but he only delayed the inevitable.
Maximiliano Gomez levelled in the 82nd minute and the scores remained same as Real slept further behind Barca on top. They now trail leader by 16 points and are struggling even to remain in top 3.