A goal by Alfon on the stroke of halftime and a second half of great resistance allowed RC Celta to take a prestigious victory over Real Sociedad in San Sebastian. Three points that reaffirm the great moment of the Celts, who are not giving up anything in this exciting final stretch of the season.
Celta went out to compete in one of the most demanding fields of the championship, and they did it with courage. Borja Iglesias gave an early warning with a very clear chance and, although Real responded with possession and drive, the Celestes knew how to adapt, read the game and wait for their moment. Imanol Alguacil’s team played, but without depth, against a Celta very well positioned in a low midfield block, without leaving spaces and waiting for their chance. The plan was working. As the minutes progressed, the Galicians began to settle down, gaining meters and starting to bother Real in the ball exit. Mingueza came close to scoring with a shot from the edge of the area that went high, and Fer tried an individual action that ended up missing the back line. Tactical solidity and a pinch of faith paid off in the 44th minute, just before the break. In a counter-attack led with pace and precision by Borja Iglesias, Alfon was able to get in front of Remiro. His first attempt was repelled by the Txuri Urdin goalkeeper, but the rebound fell again at his feet and this time he did not forgive (0-1). Fifth goal in the league for the Celeste and a blow of authority just before going to the locker room.
As expected, Real came out all guns blazing and the second half was a test of character. The first threat came after a handball by Sergio Carreira in front of the goal, but the free kick did not generate danger. A few minutes later, Pablo Marín scored the first clear shot of the locals, a shot into the hands of Guaita that the Celeste goalkeeper had to save in two times. The Donostia siege continued and came close to an equalizer in a double action that began with a header by Oyarzabal that hit the crossbar and ended with a providential clearance by Carlos Domínguez under the posts when the ball threatened to cross the line.
During the last moments of the match, the eleven Celestes became one, embracing a fierce defense and a blind faith in Vicente Guaita, imposing under the posts, supporting the team with saves of enormous merit, which led them to shield the victory in a scenario of maximum demand.
With this victory at the Reale Arena, RC Celta signs its 2000th match in the First Division and the 50th of Claudio Giráldez at the head of the first team. A victory that is worth more than three points, it is worth illusion, and that now leads to focus on the last match of the season at Abanca Balaídos, which is presented as a party, as an opportunity to celebrate a year of growth, commitment and dreams that are still alive. Because this Celta does not conform. This Celta believes. This Celta wants more.
See you on Sunday at the Celtic temple, fans.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
0 – Real Sociedad: Remiro, Traoré (Aramburu, min.60), Aritz, Zubeldia, Aihen (Javi López, min.78), Zubimendi, Marín, Brais Méndez (Sučić, in.78), Sergio Gómez (Barrene, min.60), Take and Oyarzabal (cap).
1 – RC Celta: Guaita, Javi Rodríguez, Domínguez, Ristic (Lago, min.78), Ilaix, Fran Beltrán (cap), Carreira, Mingueza, Fer López (Pablo Durán, min.66), Alfon (Swedberg, min.78) and Borja Iglesias (Iker Losada, min.78).
Goals: 0-1: Alfon, min.44.
Referee: García Verdura. Yellow cards were given to locals Aihen, Zubimendi and Sučić and to visitor Ilaix Moriba.
Incidents: Match corresponding to Matchday 36 of LaLiga EA SPORTS played at the Reale Arena in front of 25.124 spectators.
