Celta Vigo continued their impressive run at Estadio de Balaídos with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Osasuna. The victory marked their fourth triumph in five matches on home soil, ending Osasuna’s five-game unbeaten streak. The result pushes Celta level on points with their visitors and cements their dominance in home fixtures this season.
Pre-Match Tensions and Early Exchanges
The match was played against heightened discussions around refereeing following Osasuna’s controversial clash against Real Madrid. Despite this, Los Rojillos started brightly, determined to build on their previous performance.
Top scorer Ante Budimir had an early opportunity but failed to capitalize as he poked wide after a fortuitous bounce. The Croatian striker continued to pose a threat, nearly forcing Hugo Sotelo into an own goal from a corner. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich loanee Bryan Zaragoza had a promising chance, skillfully maneuvering past defenders before firing wide.
Celta Vigo Grow into the Game
Despite a sluggish start, Celta Vigo gradually gained a foothold in the game. Their best opportunity of the first half came when Borja Iglesias attempted to squeeze the ball past Sergio Herrera from a tight angle but was denied. Celta’s growing dominance in possession and territory suggested they were warming up for a strong second-half display.
Aspas’ Influence Turns the Tide
After the break, Celta’s attacking intent became more apparent. Fer López latched onto a long diagonal pass from Marcos Alonso, cut inside, and tested Herrera with a powerful strike. Further chances fell to Iglesias and Williot Swedberg, but the breakthrough remained elusive.
The turning point arrived with the introduction of club legend Iago Aspas. The veteran forward delivered a pinpoint cross that led to Iglesias being brought down in the box by Jorge Herrando and Lucas Torró. Aspas confidently stepped up and converted the penalty, slotting it into the bottom left corner to give Celta the lead.
Osasuna’s Late Pressure Fizzles Out
Trailing, Osasuna threw bodies forward in the closing stages, hoping for a late equalizer. However, Celta’s defense stood firm, repelling attacks with composure and resilience. Despite their efforts, Osasuna could not break through, and the match ended in a well-earned victory for the hosts.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Celta Vigo, this win highlights their formidable home form, with 26 points earned at Balaídos – a tally bettered by only two La Liga teams this season. Their resurgence in recent weeks sees them climb level with Osasuna, a significant boost in their quest for a strong league finish.
On the other hand, Osasuna, who were once eyeing European qualification, must regroup and rediscover their form. This setback dents their aspirations but leaves them enough time to bounce back.
Final Thoughts
Celta Vigo’s ability to grind out results at home continues to be a defining factor in their season. With Aspas still proving to be a talismanic figure, they will hope to build on this momentum. Osasuna, meanwhile, must refocus if they wish to challenge for European spots.
For Kenyan football fans, this game serves as a reminder of how home advantage and experienced players like Aspas can make the difference in tight encounters. Whether betting on La Liga action or following the competition, staying informed is key to making the best predictions.
