Claudio Giráldez’s side claimed their first-ever victory at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano after narrowly defeating Atlético de Madrid (0–1) in a hard-fought, disciplined performance with clear European ambitions. A goal from Borja Iglesias, the reliability of Andrei Radu between the posts, and the collective effort of the entire team allowed the Celestes to leave the capital with three vital points that consolidate them in sixth place and keep their dream of returning to Europe very much alive.
The match began with Atlético determined to take control of the game, driven by their supporters and intent on dominating possession. Celta, patient and well organised, managed to withstand the early pressure from the home side without losing composure. Lookman had one of the clearest chances of the first half, while Radu began to stand out with confident saves and strong personality. The Vigo side, solid at the back and attentive in defensive cover, grew steadily into the game, finding breathing space through Ilaix’s driving runs and Fer López’s composure on the ball.
After the break, the pattern remained the same. Atlético tried to increase the tempo, but Celta continued to show a mature and competitive performance, never losing their structure. Then came the decisive moment. Following a turnover that opened up space for the counterattack, Williot Swedberg threaded a superb pass to Borja Iglesias, who finished with a calm, delicate chip over Oblak.
From that moment on, the team defended with great discipline and know-how. Simeone’s side pushed for an equaliser, but they met a resolute and committed Celta defence. Radu once again came up with key interventions when needed, and the back line held firm with full concentration until the final whistle.
An afternoon to remember for the whole team, but above all for Williot Swedberg, who reached his 100th appearance for Celta, and for Iago Aspas, who made his 400th La Liga appearance in the sky-blue shirt, further cementing his legendary status at the club and in LaLiga.
The victory confirms the team’s resurgence after the win against Elche at Abanca Balaídos and allows them to approach the final stretch of the season with renewed ambition. The next fixture will be this Tuesday, May 12, at home in the penultimate match of the campaign at the Celeste Temple, where Celta will host UD Levante with the aim of continuing their positive run.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
0 – Atlético de Madrid: Jan Oblak; Marc Pubill, Jose Gimenez (Robin Le Normand, min.20), David Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri; Marcos Llorente, Koke, Alejandro Baena (Obed Vargas, min.69), Ademola Lookman (Nahuel Molina, min.60); Antoine Griezmann (Thiago Almada, min.61) and Alexander Soerloth.
1 – Celta: Radu; Javi Rodríguez, Yoel Lago, Marcos Alonso; Álvaro Nunez (Sergio Carreira, min.68), Fer López, Ilaix Moriba, Óscar Mingueza (Mihailo Ristic, min.89), Pablo Durán (Iago Aspas, min.68), Williot Swedberg (Hugo Álvarez, min.77) and Borja Iglesias (Ferran Jutgla, min.68).
Goals: 0-1, min.62: Borja Iglesias.
Referee: Iosu Galech. He showed yellow cards to Alejandro Baena (66′) for Atlético de Madrid and to Ilaix Moriba (19′) and Fer Lopez (77′) for Celta.
Incidents: Match corresponding to Matchday 35 of LaLiga EA Sports, played at Riyadh Air Metropolitano in front of 52.643 spectators.
