Celta Fortuna have qualified for the final stage of the promotion playoffs to Spain’s Second Division. The Sky Blues’ reserve side enjoyed a historic afternoon at Abanca Balaídos, defeating CE Europa 3-2. Two penalties converted by Hugo González and an extra-time winner from Ángel Arcos proved decisive in a dramatic encounter, sending Fredi Álvarez’s team into the first promotion final to the Spanish second tier in the club’s history.
The first half was evenly contested and demanding for both sides. Europa showed confidence from the outset and took the lead just past the half-hour mark through Jordi Cano. Fortuna looked for a response with several dangerous attacks, particularly down the right flank, but came up against a well-organised opponent that gave very little away. The visitors’ 0-1 advantage remained intact at the break, leaving the tie wide open.
After the restart, the Sky Blues stepped up their intensity and were rewarded from the penalty spot. Hugo González converted two penalties to turn the score around and move Fortuna closer to qualification. However, Europa refused to give up and levelled the game once again, with Jordi Cano also scoring from the spot.
The match ended 2-2 after regular time and went into extra time. Although a draw would have been enough for Fortuna, Ángel Arcos produced a moment to remember, unleashing a superb strike from outside the box that sparked celebrations among the more than 7,000 fans in attendance and secured the team’s place in the final.
The dream continues for a Celta Fortuna side that keeps making history and now faces the final challenge of the season. The promotion final will see the Sky Blues take on Ponferradina over two legs, with the decisive return match to be played at the club’s fortress, Abanca Balaídos, where the team hopes to count on the support of the entire Celta family.
