CD Afouteza once again played host to a preseason friendly for the 2025/26 campaign, as Celta welcomed CD Nacional de Madeira ahead of their upcoming training camp in Germany and Switzerland. Claudio Giráldez’s side dominated the match from the outset and began to show signs of the identity their manager is working to instill.
With a starting eleven featuring nine players from Celta’s youth system and the long-awaited return of Javi Rueda to the pitch, the sky-blue team quickly took control through a dynamic, fast-paced, and well-connected style of play, creating a flurry of chances. Despite their clear dominance, it was a penalty on Pablo Durán that led to the opener, calmly converted by Hugo Sotelo—marking Celta’s first goal at home this preseason. Giráldez’s men continued to press the Portuguese defense relentlessly, with Williot coming close to doubling the lead, forcing goalkeeper Kaique into a superb diving save from a dangerous strike.
Unlike previous friendlies, the second half began with Giráldez keeping much of the starting lineup intact to build on the strong momentum from the first 45 minutes. Nacional increased their pressure and made it harder for Celta to play out from the back, but the home side responded well defensively and looked threatening on the counterattack. After Jones El-Abdelloui and Marcos Alonso both struck the woodwork, it was Hugo González who found the breakthrough, sealing the 2-0 win with a well-placed low shot—rewarding Celta’s persistent attacking efforts.
This marked Celta’s first victory of the 2025/26 preseason, showing clear defensive improvement and keeping a clean sheet thanks to strong performances between the sticks from Radu and Iván Villar.
Next up, on Saturday, July 26, Celta will take on Stuttgart in Germany at the Stadion an der Kreuzeiche, with kickoff set for 3:30 PM. The match will be streamed live on the club’s official YouTube channel.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Celta: Andrei Radu; Javi Rueda (Sergio Carreira, min. 31), Yoel Lago, Carlos Domínguez, Manu Fernández, Mihailo Ristic; Hugo Sotelo, Miguel Román, Hugo Álvarez; Williot and Pablo Durán. After break: Iván Villar, Carl Starfelt, Tincho, Javi Rodríguez, Marcos Alonso, Ilaix Moriba, Damián, Jones El-Abdellaoui, Hugo González and Ferran Jutglà.
CD Nacional de Madeira: Lucas França; Joao Aurelio, Ulisses, Zé Gomes, Matheus Días, André Sousa, Jota, Alan Núñez, Martím Watts and Paulinho. Also played: Kaique, Kevyn, Zé Vitor, Laabidi, Ibahiba Ba, Douglas, Deivison, Shatri, Filipe Suárez, Lucas Joao, Jesus Ramírez and Josué.
Goals: 1-0, min. 32: Hugo Sotelo (P). 2-0, min. 67: Hugo González.
Referee: Álvaro Juncal.
