The sky-blue monologue at Mendizorroza wasn’t enough. Alaves took advantage of its first two scoring opportunities and defended solidly its advantage on the scoreboard. The Vigo squad wasted its numerous scoring chances, and fell by 1 goal after a masterful gol by Iago Aspas in injury time.
The local squad found its goal on its first occasion after a severe disadjusment by the Vigo defense. At the four minute mark, Pedraza scored from the far post to make Alaves get ahead. This allowed Abelardo’s squad to play defensively, closing gaps and counter-striking. They did so well-organized and convincingly. In their second chance of the match, at the 18 minute mark, Munir beat Rubén, also with a strike from the far post. Celta took control of the ball but did not transform, one by Aspas which was stopped by the goalkeeper on the goal line, and one by Radoja almost at the end of the first half.
At halftime the local team led clearly on the scoreboard, playing well on defense and pressing the visiting squad effectively.
The second half was a Sky-blue monologue, with a number of chances like one by Sisto one on one against the goalkeeper, and an obvious penalty on Maxi that was not signalled. Celta insisted ambitiously but only got to score in the last minute. Iago Aspas scored a flagship goal, taking on two rivals with a nutmeg move and striking with his left foot to the back of the net. It wasn’t enough against a very well-organized rival on the defensive end which took full advantage of its scoring chances.
GAME SHEET
2-Alavés: Pacheco; Martín Aguirregabiria, Laguardia, Ely, Alexis; Tomás Pina, Manu García, Ibai Gómez (Hernán Pérez, min.89), Rubén Sobrino (Bojan, min.74), Pedraza; Munir (Torres, min.81).
1-RC Celta: Rubén; Jonny, Roncaglia, Sergi Gómez, Mazán (Jozabed, min.58) Lobotka, Wass, Radoja (Emre Mor, min.74), Iago Aspas, Brais Méndez (Sisto, min.58), Maxi Gómez.
Goals: 1-0, min.4: Pedraza; 2-0, min. 18: Munir; 2-1, min.91: Iago Aspas.
Referee: Martínez Munuera, Valencia committee. Yellow cards: Radoja, Jozabed, Sobrino, Alexis.
Stadium: Mendizorroza.
