RC Celta returned home with no points after a cruel end to their visit to La Cerámica. Claudio Giráldez’s side deserved more as they fell to Marcelino García Toral’s side in the last minute.
The match corresponding to Matchday 3 of the Laliga EA SPORTS 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 for both teams that forced the spectator not even to blink.
Claudio Giráldez’s side started the game against Villarreal with intensity and determination, a leading soul that allowed them to take the lead with a goal in the first quarter of an hour of the game. It would be a colossal Alfon who would arrive in the box on the wing, dribble past the keeper and attempt a shot that the backline kept out under the sticks, but an attentive Borja Iglesias collected the rebound and sent the ball into the back of the net.
Villarreal reacted to the first Celeste goal by increasing their attacks and it was after a corner kick that the Yellow Submarine’s first goal came with a header from Cardona. The score was level and madness reigned in a match in which neither team gave in. RC Celta continued to attack Conde’s goal and managed to regain the lead before the break. After a hard tackle by Bailly on Borja Iglesias in front of the Villarreal area, it was Óscar Mingueza who took the direct free kick with a low shot that surprised the defence, hit the post and then went into the goal. It was a truly stunning goal that put Claudio Giráldez’s team back in front on the scoreboard.
The second half started in the same way as the first half had ended, with both teams continuing to fight, demonstrating that they wanted to take the three points and that they would not let up in their pressure. In the 58th minute, Villarreal made three changes on the bench, bringing freshness and agility to the Yellows’ attack, who managed not only to equalise, but to take the lead on the scoreboard. But nothing was decided and, above all, against a Celta side that wanted more and did not intend to give up.
In the final stages of the game, a cross into the box by Óscar Mingueza was headed into the back of the net by Carl Starfelt to tie the game again. A draw that motivated the Celeste, who were not forgiving and continued to stalk their opponents’ goal. However, when at least a point seemed assured, a last-gasp penalty tipped the balance in favour of the home side. Iván Villar managed to save Parejo’s spot-kick, but Villarreal took advantage of the dead ball in the box to leave the Celeste side with a bittersweet feeling and without reward.
A bittersweet feeling because our team gave their all, they played a great game in their first away game, full of intensity, good football and chances. Now, the team is focused on their next league match against Osasuna, this Sunday at 17:00h, at El Sadar stadium.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
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 (p.p.). 3-3, min. 80: Starfelt. 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: Match corresponding to Matchday 3 of LaLiga EA SPORTS played at the Estadio de La Cerámica in front of 19,651 spectators.
