RC Celta de Vigo delivered a commanding performance at Estadio de Bala�dos, securing a vital 3-0 victory over a 10-man Villarreal in LaLiga. The win propels Celta further into the conversation for European qualification while inflicting only a third defeat in 13 games on El Submarino Amarillo.
Seeking a response after consecutive league losses, Celta started brightly, with Marcos Alonso and Fer L�pez both going close in the early exchanges. Their positive momentum was further amplified when Villarreal defender Eric Bailly received a straight red card for a mistimed challenge on Alfonso Gonz�lez, who had broken through on goal.
Despite being a man down, Villarreal managed to hold firm for a short period. However, Celta’s pressure eventually told on the stroke of half-time. Fran Beltr�n delivered a precise low cross into the box, finding an unmarked Fer L�pez who slotted home his second goal of the season, giving the hosts a deserved lead.
Celta maintained their dominance after the break and doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute in somewhat chaotic fashion. Substitute Ilaix Moriba’s initial shot struck the post, leading to a scramble in the box before Borja Iglesias calmly guided the loose ball into the net.
Villarreal struggled to impose themselves on the game, and Celta continued to create opportunities. Another substitute, veteran Iago Aspas, almost capitalized on a defensive error, forcing a backpedaling save from Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz J�nior.
Moriba looked set to wrap up a dominant display with a powerful long-range effort, but his shot was tipped over the bar. However, the substitute soon had another opportunity to make his mark. He went down under a challenge from Pape Gueye inside the penalty area, and the referee pointed to the spot. Aspas stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, sealing an emphatic 3-0 victory for the home side.
The result marks only Villarreal’s third away defeat in their last 14 encounters against Celta. Despite the loss, they remain in the fifth and final UEFA Champions League spot, just one point ahead of Real Betis Balompi� with six games remaining.
For Celta Vigo, this home triumph marks their tenth win at Estadio de Bala�dos this season, taking their points tally at home to an impressive 33 out of a possible 46. This strong home form has lifted them to seventh in the LaLiga table, firmly establishing them as genuine contenders for European qualification.
