Celta managed to draw 1-1 against Real Sociedad at Abanca Balaídos, in a match where the Celestes imposed themselves in the first half and held on with ten players for much of the second half, only to concede the equalizer in the 89th minute.
The Celestes started with ambition and were soon rewarded. In the 20th minute, a well-worked team move allowed Pablo Durán to beat the opposing goalkeeper and put Celta ahead. Claudio Giráldez’s side showed intensity, fluid attacking play, and pressure in midfield, creating chances to extend their lead. However, just before halftime, Carl Starfelt received a second yellow card, leaving the home team with ten and shaping the remainder of the match.
With one player less on the field, Celta dropped back and clung to tactical discipline at times. Real Sociedad took control of the game, but the Celeste defense held firm, and Andrei Radu made crucial saves to keep the team in the match. Despite their efforts, in the final minutes, a close-range cross allowed Carlos Soler to score the 1-1 equalizer, and Celta could not find a way to win.
Although the point feels somewhat bittersweet, the team values their ability to cope with a red card and maintain the lead for most of the game. With this new 1-1 draw, the Celestes now turn their focus to their next fixture on Thursday against Nice. In LaLiga EA Sports, Celta will return to action on Sunday the 26th against Osasuna, this time away from home.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
1 – Celta: Radu; Javi Rodríguez, Starfelt, Marcos Alonso; Mingueza (Javi Rueda, min.53), Moriba, Hugo Sotelo (Carlos Domínguez, min.46), Carreira; Pablo Durán (Fran Beltrán, min.85), Jutglà (Jones, min.69) and Borja Iglesias (Hugo Álvarez, min.53).
1 – Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu (Karrikaburu, min.76), Zubeldia, Caleta-Car, Aihen (Guedes, min.66); Brais Méndez (Carlos Soler, min.66), Yangel Herrera (Marín, min.56), Gorrotxa, Sergio Gómez; Barrenetxea (Zakharyan, min.76) and Oyarzabal.
Goals: 1-0, m.20: Pablo Durán. 1-1, m.89: Soler.
Referee: Juan Martínez (Comité Valenciano) expulsó a Starfelt en el minuto 45 por doble amonestación. Además, amonestó a Javi Rueda (min. 56) e Ilaix Moriba (min. 94) por parte del Celta, y a Sergio Gómez (min. 33), Zubeldia (min. 37) y Yangel Herrera (min. 45) por parte de la Real Sociedad.
Incidencias: Match corresponding to Matchday 9 of LALIGA EA SPORTS, played at Abanca Balaídos in front of 19,020 spectators. Before the game, a minute of silence was observed in memory of former Celta player José Manuel Espinosa.
