Mr Adam
Date: May 13, 2025
Competition: La Liga – Matchday 36
Venue: Reale Arena, San Sebastián, Spain
Attendance: 25,124
In a tightly contested match at the Reale Arena, Celta Vigo secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad, bolstering their aspirations for European competition next season. The lone goal came from Alfon just before halftime, capitalizing on a rebound to net his fifth goal of the season.
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Match Summary
The encounter began with both teams displaying cautious play, aware of the stakes involved. Celta Vigo, under the guidance of Claudio Giráldez, made seven changes from their previous lineup, aiming to inject fresh energy into the squad. The strategy paid off as Alfon seized an opportunity in the 44th minute, following up on his initial shot that was parried by goalkeeper Álex Remiro, to slot home the decisive goal.
Real Sociedad, despite dominating possession with 61%, struggled to convert their control into meaningful chances. The home side’s efforts were epitomized by Mikel Oyarzabal’s header that struck the crossbar and a contentious moment involving Martín Zubimendi, whose shot was suspected to have been handled in the box. However, after a VAR review, no penalty was awarded, as the ball was deemed to have struck Fran Beltrán’s axilla :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Key Match Statistics
- Possession: Real Sociedad 61% – 39% Celta Vigo
- Total Shots: Real Sociedad 15 – 6 Celta Vigo
- Shots on Target: Real Sociedad 5 – 2 Celta Vigo
- Corner Kicks: Real Sociedad 14 – 1 Celta Vigo
- Saves: Real Sociedad 1 – 4 Celta Vigo
- Yellow Cards: Real Sociedad 3 – 1 Celta Vigo
Player Performances
Alfon (Celta Vigo): Demonstrated keen awareness and positioning to capitalize on a rebound, scoring the match’s only goal and showcasing his importance to the team’s attacking prowess.
Vicente Guaita (Celta Vigo): The veteran goalkeeper was instrumental in maintaining the clean sheet, making several crucial saves to deny Real Sociedad’s attempts at an equalizer.
Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad): Despite being one of the more active players for the home side, his efforts were thwarted by the woodwork and a resolute Celta defense.
Post-Match Reactions
Celta Vigo’s manager, Claudio Giráldez, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the importance of the victory in their quest for European qualification. “The boys showed great character and discipline. This win brings us closer to our goal,” he stated.
Real Sociedad’s head coach, Imanol Alguacil, lamented the missed opportunities and the team’s lack of clinical finishing. “We controlled the game but failed to make our chances count. It’s a tough loss, but we must regroup for the remaining fixtures,” he commented.
Implications for the Standings
With this victory, Celta Vigo solidifies their position in 7th place, amassing 52 points and enhancing their prospects for European competition. Real Sociedad, on the other hand, remains in 12th place with 43 points, facing an uphill battle to secure a top-half finish.
Upcoming Fixtures
- Real Sociedad: vs Girona – May 18, 2025
- Celta Vigo: vs Rayo Vallecano – May 18, 2025
Both teams will be looking to secure positive results in their upcoming matches. Celta Vigo aims to continue their momentum and secure European qualification, while Real Sociedad seeks to bounce back and finish the season on a high note.
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Conclusion
The Real Sociedad vs Celta Vigo encounter highlighted the fine margins that can decide football matches. Celta’s efficiency in front of goal and solid defensive display earned them a vital three points, while Real Sociedad’s inability to convert possession into goals proved costly. As the season approaches its climax, every match carries significant weight, and both teams will be eager to achieve their respective objectives.
