Girona edges Celta Vigo with dramatic 91st-minute strike

Late goal seals Girona victory over Celta Vigo

In a dramatic late twist, Venezuelan midfielder Yangel Herrera struck in the 91st minute to decide the outcome of Friday’s LaLiga EA Sports clash at Montilivi. Girona, the surprise package of Spanish football this season, edged past Celta Vigo in front of their home crowd, while the Catalan club continued their push for a top position as leaders with 28 points from 33 possible. The national television slot ahead of the classic between Barcelona and Real Madrid on Saturday only heightened the anticipation around the encounter.

Throughout the match, Girona controlled the tempo and possession, showcasing why they have become a talking point across Europe. They dominated play for long stretches, maintaining high ball retention, and consistently pressing in the opposition half. Yet for all their dominance, the hosts found it difficult to convert control into clear scoring chances, with Celta Vigo defending resolutely and breaking rhythm with quick counterattacks that kept the result within reach.

Rafa Benítez’s team departed Montilivi with a sense of frustration. They failed to register a seventh win in the league and watched a late goal chalked off after a foul by Jorgen Strand Larsen on Paulo Gazzaniga in the 84th minute led to a disallowed goal for the visitors. The decision sparked protests from the entire visiting delegation, who argued their case vigorously to the officials. A social media clip captured the moment the disallowed goal was announced, underlining the heated mood in the stadium.

The official footage and post-match commentary highlighted Girona’s early supremacy. They enjoyed possession exceeding 80 percent in the opening ten minutes and remained above 70 percent by halftime, peppering the visitors with multiple corner opportunities. The hosts sought to unlock gaps in the Vigo defense through patient buildup and well-timed runs, while Celta Vigo relied on counter-attacking moves, struggling to maintain sustained possession and challenging build-up play from the back.

Despite Girona’s domestic control, the first-half scoring opportunities largely came from the visitors. Guaita, standing in for the suspended Iván Villar, faced a stiff test when Sávio Moreira delivered a cross that required the goalkeeper to react quickly. Artem Dovbyk found himself isolated near the edge of the box, unable to convert a chance to break the deadlock, and the home side had no shots on target before the interval, a scenario that weighed on their attacking intent.

In the second half, Míchel signalled intent by introducing Portu and Cristhian Stuani, shifting the dynamics of attack. The match was disrupted multiple times due to stoppages in the 30th minute caused by injuries and player clashes from the Galician stands. As the game wore on, Girona pressed with renewed energy, while Celta Vigo continued to defend doggedly and seek opportunities on the counter.

The most testing moments for the visiting side arrived after the restart. A dangerous sequence began with a header from Dovbyk off a corner delivered by Aleix García, forcing Guaita to make a decisive save. The pattern persisted as Girona sought to unlock a stubborn Vigo defense through quick transitions and sustained pressure. Sávio produced a pair of dangerous crosses from the left flank, with Iván Martín narrowly missing on one occasion and Couto creating chances on the break. The hosts remained vigilant in defence, repelling a series of threats and maintaining discipline at the back as the clock ticked away.

As the match entered its final minutes, Girona intensified their push. Herrera’s late strike arrived after a layoff from Aleix García, curling past Guaita and finding the back of the net off the left post. The goal electrified the Montilivi faithful and sparked a frenzy among players and staff as the stadium erupted in celebration. Celta Vigo regrouped and pressed for an equaliser, but the clock ran out as Girona held firm to claim a hard-fought three points.

In the aftermath, matchday imagery captured the euphoria surrounding Herrera’s decisive moment with social feeds highlighting the dramatic finish and crowd energy. The win reinforced Girona’s status as credible contenders in the early-season context, while Celta Vigo were left to reflect on a game shaped by chance and the fine margins that define football at this level.

Data sheet:

1 – Girona: Gazzaniga; Arnau (Tsygankov, min. 79), David López (Juanpe, min. 47+), Blind, Miguel; Aleix García; Yan Couto, Herrera, Iván Martín (Portu, min. 67), Sávio; Dovbyk (Stuani, min. 67).

0 – RC Celta: Guaita; Kevin Vázquez, Starfelt, Unai Núñez, Manu Sánchez; Luca, Tapia, Dotor (Fran Beltrán, min. 85), Bamba (Óscar Mingueza, min. 75); Aspas and Larsen.

Goals: 1-0, min. 91: Herrera.

Judge: Díaz de Mera (Castile-Manchego committee). Locals warned Yan Couto (min. 45+7), Stuani (min. 77) and Juanpe (min. 82) and visitors Kevin Vázquez (min. 55) and Unai Núñez (min. 77).

Events: The match of the eleventh day of LaLiga EA Sports was played in front of 12,671 fans at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi.