In Balaídos, Gabriel Veiga shone as Celta secured a clear 3-0 victory over Real Valladolid, with the Galician club asserting itself as the stronger side from the opening minutes. Carvalhal’s men moved away from the relegation zone in a display many labeled his most complete performance of his tenure, keeping the spotlight firmly on the hosts.
Celta opened with intensity and purpose. The midfield dominated the tempo, driven by the breakout form of Gabriel Veiga, a talented young player who combined poise with force. Veiga led the Celestes’ attack, orchestrating the early pressure and setting the tone for what would be a dominant half. Within the first minute, Veiga advanced on Valladolid’s goal, linking with Iago Aspas to create a promising chance for Seferovic, who could not convert from close range.
Valladolid pressed hard to disrupt the rhythm, but Celta remained relentless. The team pressed high and broke quickly at every opportunity. Aspas tested the visitors with a long-range effort that struck the post. Moments later, Veiga delivered a dangerous ball into the box from the right, finding Seferovic whose header found the back of the net in a crowd of defenders. The crowd roared as the opening goal arrived, showcasing Veiga’s growing influence and the collective energy of the Celestes.
Valladolid halted the ensuing pressure briefly, but Celta did not relent. Veiga continued to drive his team forward, weaving through the midfield and combining with teammates to probe for a second strike. Aspas and Carles Pérez were involved in the build-up as Veiga struck from the middle of the field, finishing with power to extend the lead. The first half closed with Celta’s dominance clearly on display and Veiga at the center of the action, solidifying the impression of him as the club’s game changer.
Who could stop Gabriel Veiga in Balaídos? He was the focal point of every Celta move, the one who kept finding space and creating chances for teammates while also posing a direct goal threat. The diminutive midfielder was at the heart of the home team’s creativity, drawing praise for his decision-making and technical quality as the ball moved with intent around the penalty area.
Valladolid’s response grew more organized as the half progressed, but the Galician defense stood firm and goalkeeper Ivan Villar commanded his area with confidence. Iván Villar denied Larin in a dangerous moment and produced a crucial save in the closing stages of the half, keeping Valladolid from mounting a comeback that might have changed the tone of the evening.
Pacheta made adjustments at halftime, sending fresh energy onto the pitch. The visitors started the second half with better balance, yet the Celta attack remained hungry. Carles Pérez tested the defense with dangerous dribbles from the right, and Valladolid began to encounter more resistance as Celta refocused and pressed with renewed vigor.
Celta adapted to a dynamic, fluid system that allowed the team to create chances from multiple angles. Amallah’s potential goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review, but the tone of the match stayed positive for the home side. The Catalan club continued to press high, seeking a fourth, even as the minutes ticked by.
Veiga’s influence persisted as the match moved into the second half. From the right, he initiated another sustained attack, delivering a cross that found teammates in dangerous positions. A rebound fell to Veiga again, and he calmly dispatched it to seal the game, extending the lead and confirming his status as a rising star for the club.
With the scoreboard sealed, Veiga’s performance drew widespread attention as fans and commentators highlighted him as a standout young talent and a game changer for Celta. The youngster, still just 20 years old, delivered another memorable display that reinforced the esteem with which he is regarded by the club and supporters alike.
Valladolid faced a stern test in Carvalhal’s most complete performance from his tenure, as the visitors found it difficult to mount a sustained challenge. Celta’s attacking pressure, coupled with solid finishing, kept the result comfortable and left little doubt about the outcome. The match featured a handful of bright moments for Celta, with several additional chances that might have produced a fourth goal against a Valladolid side that never found their footing.
Data sheet:
3 – RC Celta: Ivan Villar; Hugo Mallo, Aidoo, Unai Núñez, Javi Galán; Carles Pérez, Beltrán, Veiga, Luca de la Torre, Aspas, Seferovic. Substitutions: Óscar Rodríguez, Hugo Sotelo, Cervi, Larsen, min. 55; min. 59; min. 73; min. 72.
0 – Real Valladolid: Sergio Asenjo; Luis Pérez, El Yamiq, Javi Sánchez, Olaza; Monchu, Kike, Silver, Óscar Plano, Iván Sánchez, Larin. Substitutions: Escudero, Hongla, Roque Mesa, Amallah, min. 46; min. 46; min. 74.
Goals: 1-0 Seferovic, min. 16; 2-0 Veiga, min. 32; 2-1, min. 60; 3-0 Veiga, min. 63.
Referee: From Burgos Bengoetxea. A red card was shown to Amallah for a foul on Cervi. Celta received cautions for Óscar Rodríguez and Monchu, while Valladolid had cautions issued to Kike, Javi Sánchez, and others as noted during the match.
The game, part of the LaLiga Santander schedule, was played before a crowd of 14,755 at Balaídos. A ceremonial kickoff was performed by a former player and ex-Celta coach, marking the occasion with a moment of homage.