RC Celta returns to Vigo with a valuable point after drawing against Real Betis Balompié at the Benito Villamarín (2-2). Javi Rodríguez and Tasos Douvikas put the sky blues ahead on two occasions, but the locals, intense and determined, managed to equalize the scoreboard in the last minute of the match.
Celta got off to a good start, despite Betis’ suffocating pressure, when in the 13th minute they were rewarded with their first big chance of the match. Javi Rodríguez took a rebound in the area after a free kick by Hugo Sotelo, connecting a precise volley that broke through the Betis defense and opened the scoring. The sky blue advantage prompted an immediate reaction from Betis, who turned their play towards the rival area with incisive attacks by Abde and Vitor Roque. The Brazilian had two close calls and the third time was the charm: he scored powerfully from the penalty spot, surprising Guaita to make it 1-1.
On returning from the changing rooms, the duel gained even more intensity after the changes. Celta was favored by both benches, they probed the opponent’s goal and even managed to score a goal that ended up being disallowed for offside. Minutes of back and forth and tension until the entry of Williot Swedberg. The Swede repositioned the system, moved deftly down the left flank, beat two defenders and placed a perfect pass to Douvikas, who pushed the ball into the net, putting Celta back in the lead.
The Greek goal brought a calmness that turned out to be a mirage, as far from closing the game, it brought agitation and speed to the locals. In the final minutes, Pellegrini opted to throw balls into the area in search of a last chance. Giráldez’s men withstood the onslaught until the 94th minute, when a cross into the box by Chimy Ávila, headed back by Lo Celso, was headed in by Bartra to make the score 2-2.
Now, with one more point in the standings and their second away win of the season, Celta return home with their sights set on their next game. On Saturday, November 23, at 21:00h, Abanca Balaídos will host FC Barcelona in a duel that promises to be just as vibrant.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
2 – Real Betis Balompié: Rui Silva; Sabaly, Diego Llorente (Bartra, min. 56′), Natan, Perraud; Johnny Cardoso (Lo Celso, min. 56′), Altimira; Fornals (Juanmi, min. 75′), Losada (Bakambu, min. 86′), Abde (Chimy Ávila, min. 86′); and Vitor Roque.
2 – Real Club Celta: Guaita; Javi Rodríguez, Starfelt, Marcos Alonso; Mingueza (Hugo Álvarez, min. 57′), Fran Beltrán, Hugo Sotelo (Ilaix Moriba, min. 46′), Ristic (Manquillo, min. 46′); Iago Aspas (Williot Swedberg, min. 79′), Borja Iglesias (Douvikas, min. 67′) and Bamba.
Goals: 0-1 (min. 14’) Javi Rodríguez. 1-1 (min. 40’) Vitor Roque. 1-2 (min. 82’) Tasos Douvikas. 2-2 (min. 95’) Marc Bartra.
Referee: Ortiz Arias (Madrid Committee). Yellow cards for local players Johnny (min. 35′), Natan (min. 83′) and Juanmi (min. 94′).
Incidents: Match corresponding to the thirteenth round of LALIGA EA SPORTS played at the Benito Villamarín stadium in front of 54,015 spectators. Before kick-off, a minute’s silence was observed as a tribute to the victims of the DANA.
