Celta defeated RCD Mallorca at Abanca Balaídos and finished the matchday in sixth place, securing a European spot, thanks to a brace from Iago Aspas in the final minutes. The captain decided a match that Celta dominated from start to finish, managing the game well to seal the victory in stoppage time.
Claudio Giráldez made seven changes to the starting eleven compared to Thursday’s match, with Aidoo’s inclusion being the main addition to maintain a high and aggressive press. This allowed Celta to monopolize possession and focus their attack down the left flank, where Hugo Álvarez, operating from the wing, provided width and consistently made runs down the wing.
In the first half, attacks came thick and fast, but shots on target were few and far between. The clearest chance fell to Pablo Durán, who was very active until a knee injury forced him off before halftime. Hugo Álvarez also tried his luck, but the Mallorca defense managed to block his most dangerous shot. Meanwhile, Mallorca, playing deep and conservatively, barely troubled Radu’s goal.
After the break, the script remained unchanged. Celta continued to dominate, piling on crosses and winning second balls, but lacked accuracy in the final third. It was time to shake things up, and Claudio Giráldez did so in the closing stages, bringing on Iago Aspas, Borja Iglesias, and Ilaix Moriba. Attacks began to multiply until, in the 85th minute, a foul by Raíllo on Borja Iglesias in the area resulted in a penalty. Iago Aspas stepped up and put the first goal on the scoreboard with a precise shot.
With Mallorca forced to push forward, Celta found space to seal the victory. In stoppage time, a well-executed counter-attack ended with a low, driven shot across goal from the Moaña native to score the second and secure three points, returning the team to winning ways after four matches without a victory in the domestic league.
In sixth position and with a 13-point cushion above the bottom of the table, the sky blue team is now focused on preparing in the best way for its next European commitment which will be this Thursday, February 26 at 9:00 p.m., when the round of 32 of the Europa League will be decided at Abanca Balaídos against PAOK.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
2 – Celta: Radu; Javi Rodríguez, Joseph Aidoo, Marcos Alonso; Javi Rueda (Jones El-Abdellaoui, min. 79), Matías Vecino (Ilaix Moriba, min. 68), Miguel Román, Hugo Álvarez; Fer López (Iago Aspas, min. 68), Pablo Durán (Williot Swedberg, min. 44) and Ferran Jutglà (Borja Iglesias, min. 68).
0 – RCD Mallorca: Leo Román; Maffeo, Valjent, Raíllo, Toni Lato (Mojica, min. 68); Samu Costa, Mascarell (Morlanes, min. 68); Antonio Sánchez (Llabres, min. 86), Darder; Jan Virgili and Muriqi (Pablo Torre, min. 77).
Goals: 1-0, min. 85: Iago Aspas (penalti). 2-0, min. 95: 2-0 Aspas.
Referee: José Luis Guzmán (Andalusian Committee). Borja Iglesias received a yellow card for Celta. For RCD Mallorca, Muriqi, Mascarell, Lato, Mojica, and manager Jojoba Arrasate were booked.
Incidents: Match corresponding to matchday 25 of Laliga EA Sports played at Abanca Balaídos in front of 19,689 spectators.
