RC Celta deserved more in a match that was decided by a first-half corner-kick. The sky-blues could not surpass Girona’s gritty defense and fell by one goal unfairly.
With the match tied and timid approaches to both areas, Girona connected on a dead ball play. Portu scored on the 15 minute mark to put the home team ahead on the scoreboard. After the goal, Girona set up a defensive wall and Celta’s chances diminished despite its efforts to break the wall the home team had set, orderly and efficient on defense.
After halftime the sky-blue team pushed on the attack with long ball possessions and quick sprints on the sides to finish off plays. Celta’s control of the match was overwhelming but fruitless. The team was off the mark in the final passes and shooting to the goal. Celta took full risks in last 15 minute looking for the equalizer with a very offensive line-up. There was no luck.
GAME SHEET
1-Girona FC: Bono, Ramalho, Bernardo, Juanpe, Maffeo, Pere Pons, Grannell, Borja García (Aleix García, min.71), Planas, Portu (Timor, min.91) and Stuani (Lozano, min.84).
0-RC Celta: Rubén, Hugo Mallo, Roncaglia, Sergi Gómez, Jonny, Lobotka, Jozabed (Radoja, min.75), Wass (Boyé, min.75), Iago Aspas, Emre Mor and Maxi Gómez.
Goals: 1-0, min.15; Portu
Referee: Trujillo Suárez, Tenerife committee. Yellow cards: Maffeo, Stuani, Jonny, Emre Mor, Aleix García.
Stadium: Montilivi
