There’s no better way to start the year. RC Celta kicked off 2024 on the right foot by defeating Real Betis Balompié at Abanca Balaídos (2-1). Goals from Iago Aspas and Williot Swedberg lifted the Celestes out of the relegation zone.
In an exciting match that marked the end of the first round, RC Celta demonstrated their strength by overcoming an early goal from Betis. Iago Aspas, with a powerful shot from the penalty spot after a foul on Larsen, equalized the score and reignited the Celeste hope.
During the second half, despite attempts by both teams to break the deadlock, the match remained tense until the introduction of Hugo Álvarez and Williot Swedberg, who revolutionized the game. Although a goal by Larsen was disallowed by VAR, Celta’s persistence was rewarded in the thrilling 10 minutes of added time. With an impressive run and a masterful pass from Hugo, Williot scored the winning goal, unleashing euphoria at Abanca Balaídos. The more than 21,000 spectators couldn’t believe the cinematic comeback they had just witnessed, a true early Three Kings’ Day gift that lifted the team out of the relegation zone at the close of the first half of the season.
With this positive momentum, RC Celta is preparing to face Amorebieta in the round of 32 of the Copa del Rey, a decisive match to be played at Urritxe next Sunday, January 7th at 12:00h.
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
RC Celta: Guaita; Mingueza, Unai Núñez, Carlos Domínguez, Manu Sánchez; Carles Pérez (Hugo Álvarez, min. 88′), Tapia, Beltrán (Luca De La Torre, min. 73′); Cervi (Swedberg, min. 67′); Aspas and Larsen (Douvikas, min. 88′).
Real Betis Balompié: Rui Silva; Ruibal, Pezzella, Sokratis, Abner; William Carvalho (Sergi Altimira, min. 66′), Marc Roca, Assane Diao (Luiz Henrique, min. 58′), Isco (Rodri, min. 88′), Ayoze and Borja Iglesias (William José, min. 58′).
Goals: 1-0 (Ruibal, min. 5′); 1-1 (Aspas, min. 16′); 2-1 (Swedberg, min. 90+6′)
Referee: Ortiz Arias
Incidents: Match of the last day of the first round played at Abanca Balaidos in front of 21,105 spectators.
