Celta shared the points with Girona after another draw at Abanca Balaídos (1-1), in an intense match full of rhythm and chances. A penalty in added time on Javi Rueda allowed Borja Iglesias to rescue a point for the Vigo side. Claudio Giráldez’s team deserved more, but a lack of finishing and a stellar performance from Gazzaniga in goal repeatedly denied their efforts.
Girona took the lead in the first half with a goal from debutant Vladyslav Vanat, who scored with his first shot to beat Radu. Celta claimed a previous foul on Jutglà, but the referee allowed the goal to stand. From that moment on, the Celestes threw themselves into attack. Their number 9, very active, came close to equalising on several occasions, but lacked precision… and came up against a wall in the opposition goal.
In the second half, Celta increased the pressure. Borja Iglesias and Bryan Zaragoza brought fresh energy, and the chances multiplied. Again, Gazzaniga saved his team, but in added time Blind committed a penalty on Javi Rueda, and Borja Iglesias converted from the spot to seal the final 1-1 scoreline.
It’s Celta’s fourth 1-1 draw in this La Liga campaign, after a match that leaves good impressions but also the feeling that a deserved victory slipped away. Now, Claudio Giráldez’s side turns their focus to the next challenge, which will take place on Sunday, September 21st at 14:00h in Vallecas.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
1 – Celta: Ionut Andrei Radu; Javi Rodríguez (Carl Starfelt, 71’), Carlos Domínguez, Manu Fernández (Javi Rueda, 80’); Sergio Carreira, Hugo Sotelo, Ilaix Moriba, Óscar Mingueza, Iago Aspas (Hugo Álvarez, 70’), Pablo Durán (Bryan Zaragoza, 60’), Ferran Jutglà (Borja Iglesias, 59’).
1 – Girona: Paulo Gazzaniga; Arnau Martínez (Alejandro Francés, 67’), Vitor Reis, Daley Blind, Álex Moreno; Axel Witsel, Iván Martín (Jhon Solís, 82’), Azzedine Ounahi (Donny van de Beek, 82’); Yaser Asprilla, Vladyslav Vanat (Bryan Gil, 67’), Joel Roca (Cristian Portu, 46’).
Goals:
0-1, 12’: Vladyslav Vanat
1-1, 90+3’: Borja Iglesias (penalty)
Referee: Adrián Cordero. Booked Azzedine Ounahi (26’), Alejandro Francés (80’), Cristian Portu (90+1’), and Míchel (90+1’). Also awarded a penalty for a foul on Javi Rueda after a VAR review (90+1’).
Attendance: Match corresponding to Round 4 of LALIGA EA SPORTS 25/26, played at Abanca Balaídos in front of 18,862 spectators.
