RC Celta returned home empty-handed after a cruel end to their visit to La Cerámica, with Claudio Giráldez’s side deserving more as they lost in the last minute to Marcelino García Toral’s side.
The match of the EA SPORTS Laliga matchday 3 between Villarreal CF and RC Celta was much more than a simple Monday night game. It was an authentic match, a back and forth of chances on both sides that forced the spectator not to even bat an eyelid.
Claudio Giráldez’s team began the match against Villarreal with intensity and determination. A strong player allowed them to take a goal lead in the first quarter of an hour of the match. It was a colossal Alfon who came into the box on the wing, dribbled past the goalkeeper and attempted a shot that the defense parried under the posts, but an alert Borja Iglesias picked up the rebound and sent the ball into the net.
Villarreal responded to Celeste’s first goal by increasing their attacks and, from a corner kick, the Yellow Submarine opened the scoring with a header from Cardona. The score was level and madness reigned in a game in which neither team gave in. RC Celta continued to attack Conde’s goal and managed to regain the lead before half-time. After a tough tackle by Bailly on Borja Iglesias in front of Villarreal’s penalty area, it was Óscar Mingueza who took the direct free kick with a low shot that surprised the defense, hit the post and then flew into the net. It was a truly spectacular goal that put Claudio Giráldez’s team back in front.
The second half began in the same way the first had ended. Both teams continued to fight and showed that they wanted to take the three points and would not let up on the pressure. In the 58th minute, Villarreal made three changes to the bench, bringing freshness and mobility to the Yellows’ attack, which not only equalized but also took the lead. But nothing was decided yet, especially not against a Celta team that wanted more and refused to give up.
In the closing stages of the match, Carl Starfelt headed Óscar Mingueza’s cross into the box to level the scores again. A draw motivated the Celeste, who did not give in and continued to drive towards the opponent’s goal. However, when at least a point seemed certain, a last-minute penalty decided the game in the home team’s favor. Iván Villar saved Parejo’s penalty, but Villarreal took advantage of the dead ball in the box, leaving the Celeste with a bittersweet feeling and no reward.
A bittersweet feeling because our team gave everything and played a great game full of intensity, good football and chances in their first away game. Now the team is focused on their next league game against Osasuna, which takes place this Sunday at 17:00 at the El Sadar Stadium.
TECHNICAL DATA:
4. Villarreal: Conde; Femenía, Bailly (Costa, min. 59), Albiol, Cardona; Yeremy (Pépé, Min. 59), Comesaña, Parejo, Baena (Pape Gueye, Min. 72); Gerard (Ayoze, Min. 46) and Danjuma (Barry, Min. 59).
3. Celta: Villar; Mingueza, Jailson, Starfelt, Manquillo (Swedberg, Min. 70), Carreira (Hugo Álvarez, Min. 58); Ilaix (Fran Beltrán, min. 58), Damián; Bamba, Borja Iglesias (Douvikas, Min. 74) and Alfon González (Aspas, Min. 70).
Goals: 0-1, min. 18: Borja Iglesias. 1-1, min. 26: Cardona. 1-2, min. 31: Mingueza. 2-2, min. 60: Thierno Barry. 3-2, min. 64: Jailson (S.). 3-3, min. 80: Sternenfelt. 4-3, min. 90+10: Parejo.
referee: Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias (Madrid Committee). Yellow cards for Ilaix Moriba, Williot Swedberg and Hugo Álvarez for RC Celta and Femenía, Albiol, Gueye and Pépé for Villarreal CF.
Incidents: The match of the 3rd matchday of the LaLiga EA SPORTS was played at the Estadio de La Cerámica in front of 19,651 spectators.
