Celta kicked off their 2026/27 preseason with a 2-2 draw against SC Braga, their first competitive match against a regular European opponent who begins their official season next week. It was a demanding opportunity to start accumulating playing time, build rhythm and prepare for their league opener on August 16 against CA Osasuna at Abanca Balaídos.
Claudio Giráldez gave new signings Aleix Febas and Javi Galán their first minutes in a Celta shirt, along with players like Hugo González and Hugo Burcio.
Celta took the initiative in the first half. With good ball movement and possession control, the team gradually found space until taking the lead in the 32nd minute. Williot found Hugo González with a back pass, and the Fortuna striker scored the first goal of the preseason with a great shot that nestled inside the far post. Braga equalized just before halftime with a header from Víctor Carvalho, but the early stages of the match saw the home side look the better team.
After the break, it was time to rotate the squad. Claudio Giráldez made a complete overhaul of the starting eleven, bringing on several Celta Fortuna players, including Coke, Bernard Somuah and Joel López. Ángel Arcos and Óscar Marcos joined the attack in a second half where the game’s pace remained high.
The Portuguese side took the lead in the 65th minute from a corner, but Celta maintained their composure and intensity. Miguel Román returned to action almost five months after his injury and impressed on his comeback. Iago Aspas also had a strong chance, creating one of the best opportunities of the second half and testing the opposing goalkeeper.
It was in stoppage time that Carlos Domínguez headed home a corner kick to make it 2-2 in a very evenly matched game with chances for both sides.
Beyond the result, the first preseason friendly provided some valuable competitive action against a high-caliber opponent, allowing the new signings to get their first taste of the game and giving several reserve team players a chance to shine. The next preseason match will be next Saturday, July 25th at 7:00 PM, against Sporting Gijón at A Lomba (Vilagarcía de Arousa).
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
2 – SC Braga: Hornicek, Victor García, Víctor Carvalho, Moutinho, Pau Víctor, Silva, Horta, Sergio Barcia, Arrey-Mbi, Gorby and Tiknaz. Also play: Thiago, Carvalho, Lelo, Travassos, Navarro, Dorgeles, Husinbasic, Barisic, Yanis, Barjami, Diego, Jonatas, Chissumba, Gabri Mtz, Luisinho and Gil.
2 – Celta: Andrei Radu, Marcos Alonso, Yoel Lago, Álvaro Núñez, Javi Galán, Aleix Febas, Hugo Burcio, Javi Rueda, Williot Swedberg, Hugo González and Ferran Jutglà. Second part: Coke Carrillo, Joel López, Carlos Domínguez, Javi Rodríguez, Sergio Carreira, Matías Vecino (Miguel Román, min. 77), Hugo Álvarez, Jones El-Abdellaoui, Ángel Arcos, Óscar Marcos and Bernard Somuah (Iago Aspas, min. 71).
Goals: 0-1, Hugo González (min. 32). 1-1, Vítor Carvalho (min. 47). 2-1, Jonatas (min. 65). 2-2, Carlos Domínguez (min. 90+2)
Referee: Jose Bessa.
Incidents: Match corresponding to the first friendly of the 26/27 preseason of Celta played at the Estadio Municipal de Braga before 11,368 spectators.
