Brazilian Charles scored a fantastic brace as Celta Vigo dismissed Champions League winners-elect Real Madrid in the penultimate round of fixtures in Spain’s La Liga.
The side from the capital lost the chance to remain in the title hunt after conceding goals in the 43rd and 64th minutes, leaving them an unassailable five points behind leaders Atletico Madrid with a solitary game remaining.
The 30 year-old striker Charles, who has played at Estadio Balaidos since a 2013 move from Almeria, started his career with Santos in his homeland in 1998.
Fellow Brazilian Rafinha has impressed alongside his countryman this season and is expected to return to parent club Barcelona to challenge for a starting berth; Celta manager Luis Enrique is also increasingly favoured in the Spanish media to take over at the Catalan club from stricken incumbent Gerardo Martino.
Sunday’s win for Celta leaves them in eighth place in the table following four straight wins. There final match of the campaign is away at Valencia next Sunday.
