Real did not achieve anything worthwhile at Balaídos as they fell 3-1 to Celta. Despite taking the lead at half-time, the second half did not start in the best way possible for the txuri urdin. Willian José got a red card and was sent off and that action condemned the realistas. Our objective of reaching the European competition is slowly fading.
Real started the match fantastically. Imanol’s team had the possession and were putting on pressure. After some shots from outside the box, Real was penalty awarded in the 30th minute and Willian José brilliantly fired the ball to put us in front. Celta could have scored the equaliser through Maxi, but our goalkeeper denied the Celta player’s shot with his knee.
The start of the second half was poor. Rulli committed a foul on Aspas and Celta was penalty awarded. The Galician striker stabbed home to keep the scores level. Some minutes later, Willian José was unfairly sent off due to a foul he did not commit. VAR did no justice which was unbelievable. Real had ten players on the pitch and things got even more complicated when Aspas scored a brace in the 70th minute. Sangalli’s scissor kick ended in a corner. Real were capable of coming back and they had chances through Zubeldia and Oyarzabal but this time, unlike in Pucela, they were unable to rescue a point. Celta scored their third in added time which felt harsh for the txuri urdin.
Today Real have missed a good opportunity. After this defeat, we must react and continue fighting for Europe. There are seven games ahead and we must struggle, we need each and every point. Aúpa Real!
Lineups:
Celta de Vigo: Rubén, Hugo Mallo (cap), Cabral, Araujo, Olaza, Okay, Lobotka, Jozabed (Boudebouz, min.65), Boufal (Hjulsager, min.81), Iago Aspas (Beltrán, min.93) and Maxi Gómez.
Real Sociedad: Gero Rulli, Zaldua, Aritz, Raúl Navas, Theo, Zubeldia, R. Pardo (Sangalli, min.55), Merino (Bautista, min.81), Oyarzabal (cap), Sandro (Juanmi, min.71) and Willian J.
Goals: 0-1: Willian J. (pen), min.32. 1-1: Iago Aspas (pen), min.51. 2-1: Iago Aspas, min.70. 3-1: Maxi Gómez, min.92.
Referee: Melero López. Booked Okay and Iago Aspas for Celta. Willian José was sent off in the 58th minute.