Abanca Balaídos hosted Celta’s second home game of the season — originally scheduled for Matchday 6 but brought forward due to Betis’ European commitments — in a match that showcased the best version of Claudio Giráldez’s team. Despite dominating for large stretches of the 90 minutes, the Celestes had to settle for a 1–1 draw.
From the outset, the home side took control of the game. Betis pressed early, but it didn’t take long for Celta to take hold of possession, find spaces, and start creating danger. The first clear chance came in the 18th minute, when Pablo Durán broke through the Betis backline after a pinpoint pass from Borja Iglesias. He burst into the box and fired at Valles, who denied him with a sharp save.
That moment sparked more signs of Celta’s dominance, although Betis threatened with a double chance that forced saves from Radu and a last-ditch clearance from Mihailo Ristic. As the first half drew to a close, Celta kept pushing and nearly levelled through a powerful shot from Williot Swedberg. But just when it seemed halftime would arrive with a goalless draw, football showed its cruel side. A late corner for Betis was headed home clinically by Marc Bartra to make it 0–1 — a scoreline that didn’t reflect the balance of play.
After the restart, Celta’s response was immediate. The team came out with even more intensity than in the first half and soon found their reward. Hugo Álvarez struck the equaliser with a shot that slipped through the legs of the Betis keeper. From there, the Celestes launched wave after wave of attack in search of a winner. Jutglà, Marcos Alonso and Mingueza all came close, but a mix of bad luck and imprecision denied them the comeback.
The draw leaves Celta with a bittersweet taste, but also with the certainty that the team is on the right track. Now, all focus turns to the next challenge — just a few days away — once again at Abanca Balaídos, this time against Villarreal CF.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
1 – Celta: Radu; Óscar Mingueza, Yoel Lago, Javi Rodríguez, Mihailo Ristic (Marcos Alonso 57′); Williot Swedberg, Ilaix Moriba, Hugo Sotelo, Hugo Álvarez (Bryan Zaragoza 72′); Pablo Durán (Iago Aspas 72′) and Borja Iglesias (Jutglà 67′).
1 – Real Betis Balompié: Álvaro Valles; Bellerín, Marc Bartra, Natan, Ricardo Rodríguez; Sergi Altimira (Valentín Gómez 71′), Fornals; Aitor Ruibal (Pablo García 54′), Lo Celso (Dani Pérez 89′), Riquelme (Chimy Ávila 71′); and Cucho Hernández (Bakambu 71′).
Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano (Extremadura Committee). Booked: Yoel Lago (Celta); Sergi Altimira and Pablo García (Betis).
Goals: 0-1 (45′) Marc Bartra; 1-1 (48′) Hugo Álvarez.
Incidents: Match corresponding to Matchday 6 of LALIGA EA SPORTS, held at Abanca Balaídos in front of 20,302 spectators. The remaining fixtures of this matchday will be played in late September as a midweek round, due to Celta and Betis’ UEFA Europa League commitments.
