Data sheet and match recap: Celta Vigo and Espanyol open LaLiga with a late penalty twist

Data sheet:

RC Celta de Vigo started with Hugo Mallo, Aidoo, and Unai Núñez at the back, with Beltrán Solari and Cervi lining up on the wings. In midfield, Tapia entered as a first-half substitute at minute 46, and Mingueza appeared in the late stages at minute 91 as part of a tactical reshuffle. Up front, Óscar Rodríguez and Patience operated with support from Celso Pérez, while Aspas threaded passes and looked for openings in the Espanyol defense. This configuration reflected Celta’s deliberate approach to press high and create chances through quick transitions. Referee Ortiz Arias from Madrid oversaw the action. (LaLiga)

RCD Espanyol aligned with Lecomte in goal and a back line featuring Óscar Gil, Sergi Gómez, Cabrera, and Oliván. Midfield anchors Calero and Vini Souza were paired with Darder in a compact middle block, while Nico and Rubén supported Joselu and Embarba in attack. The lineup highlighted a balanced plan focused on disciplined buildup and counterattacks, aiming to exploit space behind Celta’s pressing lines. (LaLiga)

First half activity was marked by cautious play from both sides. There was little immediate goalmouth action, but Espanyol demonstrated intent with passes that pierced through the middle and occasional drives from distance. Darder let fly with a warning shot that tested the defense early on, signaling Espanyol’s willingness to challenge Celta’s setup. (LaLiga)

The home team settled into a controlled tempo, attempting to carry the ball through the center and stretch the width when possible. Celta’s best moment before the break came from a long-range strike by Iago Aspas, a reminder of the visitors’ vulnerability when the ball found the crease of the box. (LaLiga)

Espanyol maintained patience, absorbing pressure and waiting for gaps to open on the counter. There was one notable foray that began with a long run by Rubén and concluded with a free kick that did not yield a decisive result, illustrating the visitors’ strategic restraint and defensive organization. (LaLiga)

As the half progressed, Celta’s build-up grew crisper, and their approach became more vertical. A promising sequence featuring Óscar, Solari, and Aspas demonstrated the team’s chemistry in attack, with Aspas receiving in space and guiding a delicate touch toward goal. Though not finished, the move underscored the visitors’ threat in the final third. (LaLiga)

Two quick moments stood out in the run-up to halftime, capturing the tension of the game. A well-timed cross found Solari just outside the box, and Aspas’s movement helped generate space for a finish. The shift in momentum hinted at a forthcoming second-half change in tempo. (LaLiga)

Coudet tweaked the midfield in the second half, introducing Tapia to sharpen the ball circulation and increase intensity. Celta began to press higher, moving the ball with greater speed and purpose. The adjustment paid dividends as Espanyol faced sustained pressure, especially in central areas where quick exchanges sought to unlock the compact defensive lines. (LaLiga)

Midway through the second period, Celta’s dominance in the center intensified. A sequence began with Paciencia delivering from midfield, channeling play to the left and then to the penalty area, where Patience delivered a dangerous ball that was met with a decisive finish by Aspas. The understanding between Paciencia, Solari, and Aspas produced a neatly executed goal that extended the lead and illustrated the team’s proficiency in combining through the middle with support from the flanks. (LaLiga)

The match then shifted into a more controlled phase as Celta sought to manage the lead. Espanyol, undeterred, continued to press and create moments of danger, attempting to rebuild possession and sustain pressure from transitions. The balance tilted several times, with both sides creating chances and testing the opposing defense. (LaLiga)

With the clock winding down, Espanyol began to gain traction, tightening their play and looking for opportunities to reduce the deficit. A cross from Rubén and a quick, low finish by Edu Expósito tested the goalkeeper and kept the match in balance. The Catalan side showed resilience, pressing high and keeping the ball in dangerous areas, but opportunities remained scarce as the game entered its final phase. (LaLiga)

In stoppage time, a pivotal moment changed the course of the night. A challenge near the box by Mingueza on Joselu triggered a delay as the referee consulted the VAR. The decision resulted in a penalty for Espanyol after the review, and Joselu converted to restore parity for the visitors in Balaídos. The late drama echoed the unpredictability of LaLiga’s opening day and highlighted the importance of execution under pressure. (LaLiga)

Data sheet:

RC Celta de Vigo: starter; Hugo Mallo, Aidoo, Unai Núñez; Beltrán Solari (Tapia, min. 46), Cervi (Mingueza, min. 91), Óscar Rodríguez (Gabri Veiga, min. 84); Patience (Carles Pérez, min. 69), Aspas

RCD Espanyol: Lecomte; Óscar Gil, Sergi Gómez, Cabrera, Oliván; Calero (Edu Expósito, min. 56), Vini Souza (Nabil, min. 88), Darder; Nico (Embarba, min. 56), Rubén (Koleosho, min. 80), Joselu

targets: 1-0 Iago Aspas (min. 45+2); 2-0 Patience (min. 62); 2-1 Edu Expósito (min. 71); 2-2 Joselu from penalty (min. 97)

Judge: Ortiz Arias (Madrid school). Alert Celta’s Hugo Mallo (min. 15), Aidoo (min. 36), Aspas (min. 80), Javi Galán (min. 91) and Marchesín (min. 97); Espanyol by Vini Souza (min. 60) and Óscar Gil (min. 90)

Events: The match, which coincided with the first day of LaLiga Santander, was played at the Abanca Balaídos stadium in front of 13,859 spectators.