Celta continues to rack up playing time in this 2025/26 preseason, and although the results have yet to follow, the overall impression is clearly improving.
It was a match with two very different halves, in which we saw a Celta side that grew into the game. The first 45 minutes were dominated by the home team, who made the most of their chances to create danger. This was evidenced by Gorby’s opening goal in the 21st minute, followed shortly after by a crucial save from Radu that prevented a second. However, the Romanian goalkeeper couldn’t stop the referee from awarding a questionable penalty just before halftime, which allowed the Portuguese side to go 2-0 up.
In the second half, Claudio Giráldez shook things up, changing both the lineup and the system. The team came out with renewed energy and quickly took control of the game. Celta found rhythm and verticality, and just five minutes in, they managed to cut the deficit. A brilliant move by Hugo Sotelo set up Jones El-Abdellaoui, who finished with a low, angled shot to get Celta on the scoreboard. It was the Norwegian’s first goal in a Celta shirt, showcasing his growth and potential this preseason.
That goal shifted the momentum, and Celta pushed for an equalizer, driven by their midfield. However, the injury to Fran Beltrán halted their momentum. From that point on, SC Braga adjusted their game plan, regained control, and Diego sealed the win with a powerful strike from the edge of the box that Iván Villar had no chance of saving.
Despite the defeat, Celta showed very positive signs and continues working hard to find its identity in this preseason, which has only just begun. Their next match will take place on Tuesday, July 22 at 12:00 p.m., against Nacional de Madeira at the Cidade Deportiva Afouteza.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
SC Braga: Lukas, Vitor, Moutinho, Zalazar, Laerbielke, Oliveira, Dorgeles, Horta, Arrey-Mbi, Gorby y Navarro. También jugaron: Tiago Sá, Bellaarouch, Carvalho, Niakaté, Lelo, Roger, El Ouazzani, Gharbi, Marques, Da Rocha, Diego, Chissumba, Nuno Matos and Vigidal.
Celta: Radu; Manu Fernández, Starfelt, Marcos Alonso; Óscar Mingueza, Damián, Ilaix Moriba, Mihailo; Pablo Durán, Hugo González and Hugo Álvarez. After the break: Iván Villar; Javi Rodríguez, Yoel Lago, Carlos Domínguez; Jones El-Abdellaoui, Fran Beltrán (Tincho, min. 67), Hugo Sotelo, Miguel Román, Sergio Carreira; Ferran Jutglà and Williot.
Goals: 1-0, min, 21: Gorby. 2-0, min. 35: Zalazar (P). 2-1, min. 51: Jones El-Abdellaoui. 3-1, min. 85: Diego.
Referee: Marcos Cacedo.
