Celta Vigo secured their first Europa League win with a spirited comeback in Glasgow, defeating Celtic 2-1 in the third matchday of the group stage. A three-minute brace from centre-back Javi Rodríguez overturned Mika Baur's opener and delivered three key points for Claudio Giráldez's side. This Thursday 22nd October win extends a recent run of three wins and one defeat from their last five matches in all competitions.
Defeat in their opening two European games against Omonia and Juventus made this a must-win fixture. Celtic, also without a point, struck first after the break. In the 47th minute, Baur finished a solo run to beat Javi Rueda. Celta, who dominated possession (56%) and created more chances (22 shots), found their reply through aerial power. In the 68th, Javi Rodríguez met a Hugo Álvarez cross to equalise with a powerful header.
Just three minutes later, the same player completed the turnaround. After a loss by Cáceres, the ball reached Swedberg, who assisted Rodríguez for a stunning left-footed strike from outside the box. Celeste manager Claudio Giráldez later praised his team's resilience in turning around a difficult match.
This European victory comes during a positive run for Celta, who sit 8th in LaLiga with 11 points from two wins, five draws and two losses in nine games. The team is on a two-game winning streak, having also beaten Alavés last weekend, and shows defensive solidity with only seven goals conceded in nine matches, having scored ten for a +3 goal difference. In the league table, the side trails leaders Barcelona by 16 points.
Group stage implications
Despite the win, Celta did not break into the Europa League's top 24, remaining in 25th place and level on points with six other teams. The victory, however, injects confidence for the second half of the group stage and keeps qualification hopes alive.
The match at Celtic Park also marked the European debut for veteran Iago Aspas, who was substituted in the 77th minute for Williot. Goalkeeper Radu was key with a first-half save from a Camilo Durán header, while at the other end Johnstone denied an effort from Pablo Durán.
Focus now returns to domestic competition. This Saturday, October 25th, Celta host fourth-placed Real Betis at Balaídos in a high-stakes encounter. The Celeste team will aim to extend their positive run and close in on LaLiga's European places.
The report in full is at Mundo Deportivo
Celta's victory in Glasgow came with goals from Javi Rodríguez in the 68th and 71st minutes, after Mika Baur's opener in the 47th. Manager Claudio Giráldez highlighted the team's resilience, which arrives at this triumph after beating Alavés and is on a two-game winning streak in all competitions.
Celta's victory in Glasgow was built on overwhelming statistical superiority, according to the official match data. Claudio Giráldez's team generated 22 shots to Celtic's 8 and dominated possession with 56%. Discipline was also key, as Celtic received four yellow cards and Celta none. This performance reinforces the team's good run, with three wins in their last five matches across all competitions.
Celta's victory in Glasgow took place in front of 3,000 travelling fans, according to the match report. The team, now on a run of three wins in their last five matches, showed a late reaction after Celtic's opening goal. Claudio Giráldez managed the game with an opponent pushed back after the comeback.
Javi Rodríguez's brace against Celtic completes a fantastic week for the centre-back, according to the match analysis. The player had already scored and provided an assist in the league win against Alavés on October 18th. Celta, eighth in LaLiga with 11 points, arrives at this European triumph after beating Alavés and is on a two-game winning run in all competitions.
