Celta enjoyed a memorable night at Zagreb’s Maksimir Stadium after convincingly defeating Dinamo 3–0. Claudio Giráldez’s side delivered an impressive European performance: solid at the back, brave in possession, and ruthlessly efficient in the final third. A brace from Pablo Durán and a goal by Bryan Zaragoza, helped by Sergi Domínguez’s own deflection, sealed a prestigious victory that keeps the Vigo side at the top of the group.
From the opening whistle, Celta imposed their rhythm and character. Barely three minutes had passed when Iago Aspas slipped a precise pass through for Pablo Durán, who finished with composure past the Croatian goalkeeper to open the scoring and set the tone for a match dominated from start to finish. The early goal gave the Celestes confidence as they continued to exploit the space behind the home defense. Their attacking intent paid off after the half-hour mark, when a run down the left by Bryan Zaragoza ended with a low cross that a Dinamo defender turned into his own net for 0–2. And just before halftime, another lethal counterattack led by Aspas and finished by Durán made it 0–3 before the break.
In the second half, Celta managed their advantage with maturity. They read the game well, slowed the pace when needed, and closed down spaces against a Dinamo side that barely troubled Iván Villar, making his season debut in the competition. The Galicians stayed organized, pressed intelligently, and even came close to a fourth goal on several dangerous transitions. But there was to be no more scoring.
With this victory, Celta reinforce their European ambitions and the solidity of a project that continues to grow match by match. Ludogorets loom on the continental horizon, but before turning their focus back to Europe, the team’s attention shifts to LaLiga. This Sunday, Abanca Balaídos will host a major test against FC Barcelona —a match that will measure the fine form and confidence the Celestes are enjoying.
TECHNICAL SHEET:
0 – Dinamo de Zagreb: Nevistic; Théophile (Bakrar, min 46), Sergi Domínguez, Scott McKenna, Goda (Vinlof, min 46); Misic, Zajc (Gonzalo Villar, min 78); Lisica, Dejan Ljubicic (Stojkovic, min 59); Hoxha; Kulenovic (Beljo, min 59).
3 – Celta: Iván Villar; Javi Rodríguez, Carl Starfelt (Yoel Lago, min 76), Carlos Domínguez; Jones, Fran Beltrán (Damián, min 76), Miguel Román (Sotelo, min 85), Mihailo Ristic; Iago Aspas, Durán (Borja Iglesias, min 63) and Bryan Zaragoza (Jutglà, min 63).
Goals: 0-1, min 3: Pablo Durán; 0-2, min 28: Bryan Zaragoza with the help of Sergi Domínguez (own goal); 0-3, min 44: Pablo Durán.
Referee: Anastasios Papapetrou (Greece).
Attendance: Matchday 4 of the UEFA Europa League, played at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb before 19,431 spectators.
