News
SUN 20.03.2016
Celta supremacy
RC Celta dominated proceedings in the early stages, as the hosts struggled to get a foothold in the game. Hugo Mallo and John Guidetti combined to create the visitors' clearest opening, but Matthew Ryan somehow managed to scramble the ball from off the goal line. The Galicians were allowed to spray the ball around at will during the opening half hour, up until the Ches woke up and started to enjoy some possession themselves.
Valencia CF response
As the game wore on, Gary Neville's men began to grow into the encounter, and right on the stroke of half time Santi Mina had a great opportunity to have given his side the lead. The hosts carved out another fine opening when Paco Alcacer threaded an excellent ball through to Rodrigo, but Sergio Alvarez - who enjoyed a fine afternoon in the Celta goal - was alert to the danger and prevented his side from going behind.
Guidetti strikes
Whilst it took some time for the deadlock to be broken at Mestalla, Guidetti was on hand to give his side the lead which their second-half display merited on 80 minutes. Nolito fired the ball into Fabian Orellana, who produced a brilliant back-heel into the path of the on-rushing Swede who finished clinically to put the Celestes 1-0 up.
Hugo Mallo fires home the second
The visitors were buoyed by their goal and barely five minutes later Hugo Mallo doubled their advantage, to put the result beyond any doubt. The right-back drove at the Valencia defence, evading challenges from Abdenour and Javi Fuego before blasting past Ryan from the tightest of angles to make it 2-0.
Gripping conclusion
The visitors could have further increased their advantage, with Orellana coming close to netting a third, only to be denied by Ryan. Moments later, the Chilean was at it again as he drove past Shkodran Mustafi to put himself clean through, but this time he was denied by the woodwork. The game ended 2-0 to Celta and this triumph allows the Galicians to dare to dream of a Champions League berth.
© LALIGA - 2016