Elche CF Fall Short as Celta Vigo Edges Ahead
Elche CF was edged out by a single goal when Celta Vigo struck eight minutes into the match through Denis Suárez after a contentious moment when a penalty claimed by Kike Pérez was not awarded. Both sides appeared lacking sustained intensity in the opening exchanges, though the visitors gradually imposed their rhythm. In the end, the Galicians found the decisive moment on the counter, with Iago Aspas driving the attack and setting up opportunities that kept Elche on the back foot.
Francisco opted for a revivalist approach, making nine changes to the lineup that faced Atlético Madrid midweek. Several regulars were unavailable due to sanctions or travel issues, while younger players earned chances to prove themselves. The defense was reconfigured to three at the back, and several players who had been fringe options earlier in the season were handed starts, including several from the junior ranks. The goalkeeper position was also shuffled, with a rotation suggesting the final two league games would be crucial for selection decisions.
Celta began with intent, pinning Elche back and forcing the defense into uncomfortable moments. The Elche players endured a flurry of fouls that disrupted their momentum. After eight minutes Kike Pérez asked for a penalty following contact in the box, but the referee deemed the challenge insufficient for a spot kick. Moments later the visitors struck first, with Iago Aspas delivering a cross from the right that Denis Suárez finished decisively beyond the outstretched arms of Kiko Casilla.
As the first half progressed, Elche settled into a more compact shape and found their footing. Piatti drifted to the left flank while Josan created danger from the right. Crevillentino produced several inviting crosses, yet there was a lack of precision in the finishing touch that would have unlocked a goal for the home side.
The visitors doubled their lead in the 38th minute when Brais Méndez fired home after a well-executed move. A header from Ara ensured Elche faced a stiffer uphill task as the interval approached, with Celta seemingly more comfortable with the game’s tempo and structure.
The second half featured more action and intent from Elche. Francisco’s team pressed higher and aimed to control the game through a stronger presence in midfield and on the flanks. Piatti remained a constant threat on the left, while Josan tested the right-hand channel with purposeful runs. Crevillentino delivered several dangerous crosses, but the finishing touch eluded the hosts once more.
Celta had a flurry of chances to extend the lead, with Kiko Casilla producing key saves that preserved Elche’s prospects. Aspas continued to threaten as a central figure for the visitors, seeking additional opportunities to improve his position among the league’s top scorers. The match swung on a series of open chances, but the final touch repeatedly eluded both teams.
Elche did manage to pull one back when Raúl Guti converted a loose ball after a rebound inside the area. However, his shot struck the ball awkwardly on the left leg and Dituro gathered with relative ease, dashing Elche’s hopes of an immediate equalizer. The closing stages descended into a tense, spirited scramble as both sides pursued a late moment of inspiration.
The contest concluded with a check that did not justify a goal, as an offside decision against Brais Méndez negated a potential late strike. Iago Aspas remained a constant threat, and Celta claimed victory by the narrowest possible margin, keeping the gap to a minimum as the game reached its end.
DATA SHEET:
Celtic: Dituro, Kevin Vázquez, Aidoo, Néstor Araujo, Javi Galán, Fran Beltrán, Denis Suárez, Solari, Brais Méndez, Iago Aspas, Thiago Galhardo. Substitutions included Tapia, Gab Veiga, Domínguez, and Fontan among others.
ELCHE: Kiko Casilla, Josan, John, Enzo Roco, Diego González, Lucas Olaza, Iván Marcone, Gumbau, Kike Pérez, Piatti, Guido Carrillo. Substitutions included Raúl Guti, Tete Morente, Ezequiel Ponce among others.
AIM: 1-0 Denis Suárez, m. 8.
JUDGE: Melero López from the Andalusian school. He sent Francisco’s assistant Jose Ortega off with a straight red in the 93rd minute and cautioned Josan, Javi Galán, Tapia, Iván Marcone, and Tete Morente at various intervals.
STADIUM: Balaídos, Vigo.