News
SAT 12.03.2016
An Aspas masterpiece
The opening stages saw the sides cancel each other out as both teams looked to stamp their authority on proceedings. Chances came and went at either end, but the match turned in RC Celta's favour after a defence-splitting pass from Nolito. The Andalusian hitman produced a lofted through ball for Iago Aspas to run on to and the diminutive forward brought the ball down brilliantly before nonchalantly chipping over Geronimo Rulli to give his side the lead.
Rulli prevents a Celta second
It took the Basques quite some time to recover from the blow of conceding, with Eduardo Berizzo's men going on to dominate possession and carve out several further openings. La Real had no answer to Celta's attacking football and Rulli was called into action on two occasions to ensure that his side went in just one goal down at the break.
La Real's reaction
Eusebio's men looked like a different team after the interval and the introduction of Carlos Vela served to further enhance the visitors' threat. The Mexican forward's movement saw holes appear in the Celta rearguard and Vela was behind the visitors' first real chance as his deflected effort hit the side netting.
Aspas hobbles off
Celta managed to keep the San Sebastian outfit at bay and the hosts launched two lightning counter-attacks which very nearly resulted in them doubling their advantage. However, bad news struck when with 12 minutes remaining goalscorer Iago Aspas was forced off with an injury.
Celta's European dream is back on
La Real went in search of an equaliser, but Sergio Alvarez was on hand to deny Bruma and Asier Illarramendi as the game drew to a close and the hosts ultimately held on for victory. This triumph sees the Galicians temporarily move up to fifth and puts them back in the hunt to bring European football to Balaidos next season. As for the visitors, Eusebio's troops have now gone four games without a win, leaving them lingering in mid-table and well off the European places.
© LALIGA - 2016