In the same stadium where secured their European qualification last season, Celta once again demonstrated character and experience to earn a valuable point at one of La Liga’s toughest grounds. Claudio Giráldez’s side grew into the game and left Getafe with a draw that keeps them in seventh place in the standings.
In the early stages of the match, Celta organized themselves into a compact and solid mid-block, neutralizing a Getafe side that, uncharacteristically, tried to dominate possession. They succeeded, taking the initiative and controlling the ball, but chances were few and far between, and Celta’s defensive control prevented the Azulones from creating any real danger.
After the break, the script changed. The team came out with a different mentality and their performance began to improve. Celta pushed forward, monopolized possession, and played much of the second half in the opposition’s half. Getafe gradually retreated, defending with many men near their own area, while Celta found space, especially down the flanks, and created a number of dangerous attacks. There were enough chances to break the deadlock, including a disallowed goal by Williot, but they lacked the final touch to deliver the decisive blow.
This point is invaluable after a demanding week with little rest following their last Europa League group stage match. Now it’s time to focus on the next league fixture, which will see Abanca Balaídos host Osasuna this Friday at 9:00 PM.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
0 – Getafe CF: Soria; Kiko Femenía (Sancris, min. 90), Duarte (Boselli, min. 90), Djené, Zaid Romero, Juan Iglesias; Mario Martín (Javi Muñoz, min. 68), Milla, Arambarri; Satriano (Liso, min. 77) and Luis Vázquez (Nyom, min. 90).
0 – Celta: Andrei Radu; Jones El-Abdellaoui (Javi Rueda, min. 77), Javi Rodríguez, Carl Starfelt, Marcos Alonso, Óscar Mingueza (Sergio Carreira, min. 68); Miguel Román, Ilaix Moriba; Fer López (Iago Aspas, min. 81), Borja Iglesias (Hugo Álvarez, min. 77) and Williot Swedberg (Pablo Durán, min. 68).
Referee: Iosu Galech Apezteguía (Navarre Committee). Celta’s Ilaix Moriba and Borja Iglesias received yellow cards. Getafe’s Satriano was booked.
Incidents: This LaLiga EA Sports match, corresponding to Matchday 22, was played at the Coliseum in front of approximately 10,000 spectators. At the start of the match, a minute’s silence was observed for David Cordón Cano, father of Getafe player Davinchi, who died in the Adamuz train accident.
