Celta Vigo fell to a 0-2 home defeat against Athletic Club at Balaídos on Saturday, August 30th, a result that leaves Claudio Giráldez's team in a tough spot in the LaLiga table. According to Mundo Deportivo, first-half goals from Álex Berenguer and Robert Navarro secured Athletic's first league win of the season. Celta, now 18th with just one point from three games, face a difficult trip to San Sebastián to play Real Sociedad next on September 3rd.
How did the match against Athletic unfold?
Athletic came out with a high press that overwhelmed Celta throughout the first half. The visitors created the clearest chances and scored twice before the break, leaving the home team unable to respond. Giráldez tried to react with up to seven changes to the starting eleven, but the improvement in the second half wasn't enough to mount a comeback.
Goalkeeper Mihai Radu was one of the few starters who remained on the pitch and prevented a heavier defeat with several saves. Celta improved after the substitutions, with the introductions of players like Iago Aspas and Hugo Álvarez, and had chances to pull a goal back but couldn't beat Unai Simón. The defeat leaves the team with a record of one goal scored and four conceded so far this campaign, eight points behind leaders Real Madrid.
What's happening with Celta Fortuna?
While the first team lost in LaLiga, the reserve side, Celta Fortuna, was preparing to host CD Castellón at Balaídos this same weekend. The Segunda División match pits a home team that has four points from its first two games after promotion against a visiting side. Castellón manager Pablo Hernández acknowledged the difficulty of facing a rival "wrapped in the excitement of novelty" and maintaining a "suggestive state of euphoria."
Castellón traveled to Vigo with some important absences, like striker Adam Jakobsen, who felt a pinch during the warm-up for the previous match. The visiting team, also on four points, is looking for its first away win in a season that is still under construction. For Celta Fortuna, striker Álvaro Marín, who scored in the comeback against Andorra, is hoping for minutes.
What is the state of the first team?
The first team's situation is concerning. With just one point from a possible nine and the upcoming trip to face Real Sociedad, the team needs an immediate reaction. The absence of striker Borja Iglesias, who is listed on our injuries page, reduces options in attack at a time when offensive effectiveness is lacking. The team has scored only one goal in three matches.
The schedule doesn't get easier. After the match in San Sebastián, Celta will have to face a series of direct rivals in the fight to avoid relegation. You can check the full fixture list on our fixtures page. The squad, led by Giráldez, must quickly find the defensive solidity and finishing touch that have been missing at the start of the season to climb out of the relegation zone.
