RC Celta left good signs for the future in its first loss of the preseason, against Southampton, a very strong rival physically in better form and more greased up than the skyblues. The team managed by Antonio Mohamed dominated the first half, showing a solid defense and efficiency on offense. Pione Sisto and Iago Aspas put RC Celta ahead before halftime with two great goals.
In the second half the Vigo squad did not adjust fast enough to the substitutions performed at halftime and, in two consecutive chances, the home team drew the match. RC Celta recomposed itself and had more scoring chances, but none hit the back of the net. After several minutes without reaching Celta’s box, the English squad surprised Celta right before the final whistle to take advantage of a defensive mismatch and finish off the come back.
Despite being defeated, Antonio Mohamed’s RC Celta showed a good foundation for his project. Against a stronger opponent in physical terms, which is about to start its official competition, the skyblue team dominated the match and displayed defensive solidity and danger on the attack.
GAME SHEET
3-SOUTHAMPTON: McCarthy, Vestergaard, Hoedt, Bednarek, Bertrand, Davis, Romeu, Armstrong, McQueen, Gabbiadini, Long.
2-RC CELTA: Sergio, Hugo Mallo, Roncaglia, Cabral, Araujo, Juncà, Lobotka, Jozabed, Aspas, Beauvue, Sisto. También jugaron: Iván Villar, David Costas, Mazán, Hjulsager, Dennis, Brais Méndez, Ros, Juan Hernández, Borja Fernández and Kevin.
Goals: Sisto (0-1, min.12); Iago Aspas (0-2, min.42); Austin (1-2, min.55); Armstrong (2-2, min.60); Elyounoussi (3-2, min.89).
Referee: Andre Marriner.
Stadium: St. Mary’s Stadium.
