Celta Vigo suffered a painful 2-1 defeat to Juventus in the Europa League group stage, with the Italian winner arriving in the 92nd minute. Hugo Álvarez had put the Sky Blues ahead in the first half, but two second-half goals, capped by Randal Kolo Muani's strike in added time, turned the game around at Abanca Balaídos.
Claudio Giraldi's team started with intensity and found their reward in the 18th minute. Williot Swedberg played a through ball for Hugo Álvarez, who finished precisely past Vicario. Celta, who sit ninth in La Liga with eight points, held the lead until the break. However, Juventus reacted after half-time. In the 58th minute, a miscontrol by Marcos Alonso allowed Nick Woltemade to poke the ball home, levelling the score.
Substitutions and decisive moment
The introduction of Iago Aspas in the 75th minute, after a month out with a muscle injury, aimed to add freshness to the attack. Yet, the Italian manager also made shrewd changes. Bringing on Kolo Muani and Nico González from the 64th minute altered the game's rhythm. The decisive goal came in the second minute of added time, when Andrea Cambiaso crossed from the left and Kolo Muani finished first-time. Referee Van der Eijk, assisted by VAR Michael Salisbury, awarded the goal.
The loss leaves Celta in a difficult position in Europa League Group B, with just one point from a possible six after also losing to Omonia Nicosia. Domestically, the team is on a run of five draws in their last eight league games, a record visible in the standings. This recent form, with only one win in eight La Liga matches, shows the need for points. The next challenge comes this Saturday at home against Alaves, who are seventh. This match, part of a busy fixtures schedule, presents an immediate chance to bounce back.
Goalkeeper Ionut Radu made notable saves, including one from a long-range Francisco Conceiçao effort in the 51st minute. He could not, however, prevent the two goals that condemned his team. With Borja Iglesias and Pablo Durán unavailable, Ferran Jutglà had to lead the line, an option the coaching staff may revisit for the upcoming league fixture.
The report in full is at La Vanguardia Deportes
Celta's sporting director, Marco Garcés, confirmed the club has received a formal offer for forward Hugo Álvarez. "It's a serious offer from a Premier League club, but Hugo is key for us," stated Garcés. Celta, who are ninth in La Liga with eight points, must decide before the window closes. The bid follows the player's goal against Juventus on October 15th, his third of the season.
Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao denied having an altercation after his substitution in the 2-1 win over Celta. The player told reporters: "I want to clarify that I didn't argue with anyone". His manager, Luciano Spalletti, warned the Portuguese's frustration should be with his own performance. Celta, with just one win in their last five matches, seeks an immediate reaction.
