The skyblue team started the match at a good tempo cheered on by the celtista fans whose chants could be heard throughout the whole English stadium. After 5 minutes of game time Iago Aspas had a good strike at the ball from the left flank, forcing Romero to deflect the ball granting a corner kick. Celta kept possession of the ball the opening minutes, with Manchester United playing on the counter attack. At the 18 minute mark Rashford delivered an overhead pass to the middle of the penalty area headed by Fellaini hitting the net for the first goal of the match. Despite the the goal, Celta did not put their arms down and kept attacking the local goal. The effort translated into several chances of goal, and also into some counter strikes, making it a two way match. After every play the hearts of the more than 2000 celtistas supported and withheld with their chants Celta’s push towards the rival’s area. A shot from Sisto and a header from Wass gave wings to the team in the closing minutes of the first half.
The second half kicked of with a brave and adventurous Celta, having the first chance of scoring after a delivery from Mallo which Guidetti couldn’t reach. The minutes passed on and Celta deployed its best play but the lack of clarity in the final meters burdened the team. Jozabed, who entered the match after halftime to give the team better mobility took a good shot that barely missed the goal. With 15 minutes left, Guidetti was not able to shoot a new delivery on behalf of Mallo. At the 85 minute mark, a delivery from Bongonda was headed by Roncaglia to revive the hope for the skyblues. A confrontation between both squads led to the ejection of Bailly and Roncaglia.
The skyblue team fought until exhaustion supported by its fans who cheered on nonstop and was even able at times to outcheer the local crowd. Despite losing, together team and fans have taught the world the meaning of afouteza. With tears in our eyes but our hearts full of pride, Celta says farewell for now to its european dream. The scars will only push us to keep on knocking that door until we bring it down. ‘Orgullosos dos Nosos’ (Proud of Our Own).
GAME SHEET
1 (2)-MANCHESTER UTD: Romero, Valencia, Bailly, Blind, Darmian, Herrera, Fellaini, Pogba, Lingaard (Rooney, min. 86), Mkhitaryan (Carrick min. 77), Rashford (Smalling min.89).
1 (1)-CELTA: Sergio, Hugo Mallo, Roncaglia, Cabral, Jonny, Wass (JozabeD, min.45), Radoja (Bongonda, min. 68), Pablo Hernández, Sisto (Beauvue, min. 80), Aspas and Guidetti.
Referee: ejected Bailly and Roncaglia. Yellow cards for Iago Aspas (Celta) and Blind, and Herrera (Manchester United).
Stadium: Old Trafford (75.038 spectators).
