As Celta Vigo and Elche take to the pitch for their La Liga clash, the atmosphere at Abanca Balaidos is tense. Celta, who be seventh for the table, don dey struggle with form—five straight defeats for all competitions don leave fans worried. But Elche, wey dey 14th, don turn things around with three wins from their last four.
For Celta, Claudio Giráldez set up with a 3-4-2-1 formation, while Eder Sarabia for Elche go with 3-4-1-2. The match start with both sides trying to find rhythm. Early chances come for Elche: John Donald header from centre of box miss to the right, assisted by Aleix Febas. Then Gonzalo Villar win free kick for defensive half after foul by Ilaix Moriba.
But Celta break the deadlock first. Hugo Álvarez score with a right-footed shot from centre of box to centre of goal, assisted by Javi Rueda. That make am 1-0 for Celta. Elche try to respond: Rodríguez header from centre of box go just a bit too high, assisted by Aleix Febas cross. Then David Affengruber header from centre of box go high and wide to the right, assisted by Adrià Pedrosa from corner. Corner for Elche after Yoel Lago concede.
Celta double their lead before half-time. Iago Aspas score with a right-footed shot from outside the box to bottom right corner, assisted by Ferran Jutglà. That make am 2-0. Elche get yellow card for Gonzalo Villar after bad foul on Iago Aspas. Then Villar win free kick for attacking half after foul by Aspas. But Celta hold firm.
Second half see Elche push for goals but Celta defence stand strong. Elche struggle to create clear chances. Celta almost add third but Borja Iglesias header miss target. Match end 2-0 for Celta Vigo, wey give them three points to boost European hopes. Elche remain 14th but still above relegation zone.
Key moments: Hugo Álvarez goal (1-0), Iago Aspas goal (2-0), Gonzalo Villar yellow card. Celta win break their losing streak, while Elche suffer setback after recent good form.
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