Celta were beaten 1-0 by Omonoia FC in their opening match of the UEFA Europa League league phase, with Jure Balkovec scoring in the 88th minute.
Claudio Giráldez’s side took the initiative against a deep-lying opponent looking to counter, while Andrei Radu responded confidently whenever called upon. All square at half-time and a new game to come.
After the restart, the introduction of Williot Swedberg and Hugo González gave Celta more depth, but Pablo Durán saw a goal ruled out for offside in the 68th minute. With Borja Iglesias already on the pitch, the Celestes created their best chances in the closing stages, until the Cypriot side found the breakthrough.
Celta now turn their attention back to LaLiga EA Sports and focus on their next match against Racing de Santander, which will take place at Abanca Balaídos this Saturday, September 19, at 6:30pm.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
1 – Omonoia FC: Fabiano; Duverne, Coulibaly, Šatka, Balkovec; Andreou, Maric; Ewandro (Tanase, 90+3), Tankovic (Brouwers, 63), Montnor (Mayambela, 90+3) and Diony (Kakoullis, 75).
0 – Celta: Andrei Radu; Javi Rodríguez, Carl Starfelt, Marcos Alonso; Álvaro Núñez (Borja Iglesias, 77), Miguel Román, Hugo Burcio (Aleix Febas, 72), Sergio Carreira; Pablo Durán (Hugo Álvarez, 72), Couhaib Driouech (Williot Swedberg, 55) and Ferran Jutglà (Hugo González, 55).
Goals: 1-0, 88th minute: Jure Balkovec.
Referee: Balázs Berke (Hungary). Booked Williot Swedberg (67th minute) for Celta.
Incidents: Matchday 1 of the UEFA Europa League league phase, played at GSP Stadium in Nicosia (Cyprus).
