Celta Vigo have drawn their third consecutive away match in La Liga this season, cementing a peculiar streak of identical results on the road. The sky-blue team, managed by Claudio Giráldez, remains unbeaten away from home, though this resilience hasn't translated into wins, leaving them in a difficult 17th place in the standings with just two points.
The details show the Galicians drew 0-0 in their trips to Valencia and San Sebastián, and managed a 1-1 draw at home against Getafe. The latter match was the only one where they found the net, leaving their offensive record at just one goal scored in four matchdays, with four conceded.
How has the team performed in away games?
Defensive solidity on the road has been a constant. Goalkeeper Hugo González, who made his second start of the campaign, acknowledged the group's effort after a mistake. "A partir del fallo tonto en un rebote que me ha caído a mí y que nos ha penalizado, el equipo ha sabido darle la vuelta y con la expulsión hemos intentado apretar y nos ha faltado un poquito arriba," the keeper explained. His presence reflects the six changes Giráldez made to the starting eleven compared to the match against Real Sociedad.
This search for solutions is urgent, as Celta find themselves ten points behind leaders Barcelona after just four games. The lack of goals is the main burden, a problem they tried to address by bringing on Borja Iglesias for the final twenty minutes, marking his season debut.
What role can Borja Iglesias play?
The return of Borja Iglesias to the pitch is positive news in a context of absences, as the forward is on the injuries list alongside Aleix Febas. Iglesias, the team's top scorer for the past two campaigns, is seen as the key piece to reverse the goal drought. His introduction in the final phase of the match is a first step, though his full match fitness is not yet clear.
Giráldez hopes his star striker will soon regain rhythm and provide the goals the team urgently needs. Checking the current squad list shows the reliance on figures like Iglesias to change the results dynamic.
What is Celta's next challenge?
The schedule offers an immediate opportunity to cut the poor run. Next Saturday, September 13th, Celta Vigo will host Málaga at Balaídos, a direct rival sitting in 18th place. It's a clash of great importance in the lower part of the table, where a victory could provide a decisive morale boost.
The team must transform the solidity shown away from home into effectiveness in their fortress, where they are yet to win. The match against Málaga is undoubtedly the red-letter date in the fixtures calendar to start collecting three points.
Preparation for that match will continue with the confirmed absence of Aleix Febas and the hope that Borja Iglesias can increase his minutes. Celta need to unlock their attack to move past a streak of draws that, while avoiding defeats, isn't helping them climb the table.
