Celta capped off a perfect week with a victory against Girona FC at Montilivi, a match that took them to 40 points and solidified their hold on sixth place.
With four key players unavailable and a largely rotated starting lineup, Claudio Giráldez remained true to his preferred style, emphasizing possession, high pressing, and direct attacking play. In the early stages, Celta dominated the game, attacking with width and depth, particularly down the left flank, and creating clear chances that only Gazzaniga’s performance prevented from becoming goals.
Just when Celta seemed poised to take the lead, it was Girona who opened the scoring after a corner flicked on at the near post. Far from being discouraged, the team stuck to their game plan, pressing down the wings and creating numerous opportunities that suggested an equalizer was inevitable.
In the second half, after a warning shot, Ferran Jutglà scored one of the goals of the day with a deft touch and a precise, low, driven shot across goal, following a perfectly weighted cross from Óscar Mingueza from his own half. The goal leveled the score and turned the match into a head-to-head battle for the three points.
The 1-2 came shortly after, a dangerous cross from the right ended up in his own net after an attempted clearance, completing the comeback and rewarding Celta’s ambition. With the lead, the game opened up completely, and Girona made substitutions in search of an equalizer. It was at this point that Radu emerged as the hero in goal, securing the final result.
Three points for the team in what is always a difficult venue, and in a match that once again showcased the talent of the Feito na Madroa youth academy, as ten players with past experience at Celta Fortuna featured, including Andrés Antañón, who made his LaLiga debut. With 40 points in the standings, Celta is now focused on preparing for the match against Real Madrid this Friday, March 6 at 9:00 p.m., at Abanca Balaídos.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
1 – Girona FC: Gazzaniga; Hugo Rincón (Joel Roca, min. 81), Vitor Reis, Blind, Arnau; Witsel (Echeverri, min. 73), Frán Beltrán; Tsygankov, Lemar (Ounahi, min. 64), Bryan Gil (Iván Martín, min. 64); and Vanat (Abel Ruiz, min. 74).
2 – Celta: Andrei Radu; Óscar Mingueza (Javi Rueda, min. 85), Javi Rodríguez, Joseph Aidoo, Carlos Domínguez (Manu Fernández, min. 85), Sergio Carreira; Ilaix Moriba, Miguel Román; Fer López (Jones El-Abdellaoui, min. 73), Hugo Álvarez (Williot Swedberg, min. 59); and Ferran Jutglà (Andrés Antañón, min. 73).
Goals: 1-0, min. 35: Vanat. 1-1, min. 58: Ferran Jutglà. 1-2, min. 70: Vitor Reis own goal.
Referee: Miguel Ángel Ortiz (Madrid Committee). Ferran Jutglà and Williot were booked for Celta. Echeverri and Arnau were booked for Girona.
Incidents: 11,371 at Montilivi Stadium for the LaLiga EA Sports Matchday 26 fixture.
