Celta Fortuna kicked off their 2026/27 preseason at the Cidade Deportiva Afouteza with their sights set on their LaLiga Hypermotion debut. The friendly against Sporting Gijón ended in a 0-2 defeat, but the result was overshadowed by a match marked by numerous absences and the prominent role of a large contingent of youth players.
With the team still finding its feet, Fredi Álvarez’s side showed promise at times against a historic rival in the division, although they also learned that mistakes are costly in the Segunda División. Sporting Gijón capitalized on two defensive lapses to make the difference in a match where perhaps they lacked decisiveness in the opposition’s penalty area. Undoubtedly, the bad news came with the injuries to Kibet and Jan Oliveras, who had to leave the pitch.
Beyond the scoreline, the first preseason friendly served to highlight one of the project’s defining characteristics: the talent born in A Madroa. Many youth players had the opportunity to take a step forward and experience a professional football environment, an experience that is part of the development of a youth system destined to play a crucial role in what promises to be a historic season.
The journey has only just begun. There is much work to be done, much to adjust, much to learn, and still pieces to be added, but Celta Fortuna has already taken the first step towards a season that will be very special for all sky-blue fans.
