Match Report: Celta Vigo and Sevilla FC Split Points After Controversial Penalty Review

The decision by referee Alejandro Fernández Fernández to overturn a penalty awarded in the dying moments of the game intensified protests from Celtic supporters as the match against Sevilla ended in a 1-1 draw at Balaídos. The clash, turbulent from the start, saw Celta Vigo play with ten men for nearly half an hour after Tapia was sent off, yet the home side pressed until the final whistle and earned a point that reflected a chaotic, emotional finish.

Celta Vigo showed early intent, taking the initiative over the opening twenty minutes at Balaídos. Their purpose was clear: set the tempo, press high to disrupt Sevilla’s build‑up, and create chances that would test Nyland in the Sevilla goal. The home side crafted several promising forays and controlled possession as the Andalusian visitors sought ways to unlock a stubborn defense.

Conditions on the field contributed to a tense atmosphere. The first major moment occurred in the 12th minute when a defensive mistake by Soumaré opened the door for Larsen. The Norwegian attacker found himself alone with Nyland but could not convert, dithering at the moment of truth and missing the opening goal. Moments later Mingueza delivered a dangerous free kick that curved through the air and clipped the crossbar after taking a touch off Nyland, while Celta continued to press Sevilla high up the pitch. Midway through the half, Aspas produced a precise cross that found Starfelt for a decisive header, giving Celta a lead that widened Sevilla’s alertness in the early stages.

That goal provided a launchpad for Celta, steering the game to a more open, back‑and‑forth tempo as Sevilla sought to answer with late twists. The league’s highlights then focused on a balance of action between both sides. Ocampos tested Guaita with a header, and Gudelj’s long‑range attempt threatened to level matters as the first half neared its end, with the goalkeeper again denying Sevilla on a couple of occasions. Diego Alonso responded by reshaping his team at the break, and Sevilla began the second period with greater intent, working to restore momentum after a bright start from Celta.

Sevilla’s improved performance in the opening phase of the second half tightened the game’s rhythm. Starfelt nearly doubled Celta’s advantage with a close‑range finish from a corner, while the pace gradually accelerated as the surface grew heavier and more demanding. Sevilla’s control of possession increased, pushing closer to Guaita’s goal and generating a series of threats, with Ocampos delivering another header and a long shot that kept the urgency high for visitors and the tension high for the home crowd.

The visitors continued to press as the clock moved into the final quarter. Renato Tapia, shown a card earlier, found himself involved in a pivotal moment when a challenge on Lukebakio drew a second yellow. The red card reduced Celta to ten men and altered the balance of play. Yet the home side remained vigilant, stubborn in defense and intent on exploiting any counter opportunities that arose as Sevilla sought to capitalize on the numeric advantage.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Celta produced several clear chances, coming from close range and from distance. Nyland denied Larsen with a sharp save and then repelled a later effort, while Bamba and Douvikas missed close opportunities that could have sealed the outcome in Celta’s favor. The match’s decisive theme was duly reflected in the scoreline: a stalemate that did not mirror how heated, even frantic, the action had become on the pitch. A second goal for Sevilla arrived when En‑Nesyri’s delivery hit the crossbar before a well‑placed shot from Omens converted a close opportunity in the box. This moment briefly sparked a sense of revival among the Andalusian ranks, setting up a tense period of added time that held the potential for more drama.

With less than ten seconds on the clock, an argument erupted and a penalty was awarded for a foul on Douvikas by Navas. The decision sparked a loud reaction from Balaídos as the VAR room was consulted to reassess the incident. Prieto Iglesias, the VAR official, was referenced amid discussions about the review. After a period of deliberation, the original call was overturned, and the penalty was rescinded. The crowd and Celta’s side reacted with frustration, while the official summary of the moment noted the clash between the on‑field referee and the video review process. The final decision, reached after the var check, left the score at 1‑1 and ensured that both sides would share the spoils in a match marked by controversy and heightened emotion.

In the aftermath, a wave of reactions swept through social media and stadium terraces, with supporters expressing their disbelief at the overturned decision. The match data showed a competitive battle with moments of high quality from both teams, a clear display of perseverance from Celta and ambition from Sevilla, and a late‑game twist that will be remembered by fans for its intensity as much as its outcome.

Data sheet:

1 – RC Celta: Guaita; Kevin (Carles Pérez, min 58), Starfelt, Unai Núñez, Manu Sánchez; Mingueza, Tapia, Hugo Sotelo (Beltrán, min 68), Bamba (Douvikas, min 81); Aspas (Dotor, min 68) and Larsen (Cervi, min 81).

1 – Sevilla FC: Nyland; Navas, Badé, Gudelj, Acuña (Pedrosa, min 46); Sow (Lukebakio, min 46), Soumaré, Rakitic; Ocampos, Mariano (En‑Nesyri min 70), Oliver Torres (Suso, min 70).

Goals: 0-1, min 21: Yıldız Felt. 1-1, min 83: En‑Nesyri.

Judge: Hernández Hernández (Canary committee). Celta player Renato Tapia received a red card for a double yellow (min 44, 64); Sevilla warned Soumaré (min 27), Rakitic (min 45), Oliver Torres (min 64), Gudelj (min 80).

Events: The match, which coincided with the twelfth day of LaLiga EA Sports, was played in front of 19,023 spectators at the Abanca Balaídos municipal stadium. A minute of silence was observed in memory of Jesusa Hermida García, mother of RC Celta gold medalist and vice president Ricardo Barros Hermida.