Real Sociedad edges past Celta with late comeback after early 0-2 setback
In a Copa del Rey quarterfinal packed with tension, Real Sociedad edged Celta Vigo 1-2 in a match full of strategic twists and a dramatic late rally. The tactical duel tilted in favor of Imanol Alguacil’s side as resilience carried the win over a team that aimed to shape the tempo rather than chase it. The contest began with a rapid opener that put Real Sociedad ahead in the first minute, a shot from Mikel Oyarzabal that unsettled the visiting defense. A defensive miscue by Carl Starfelt followed by a wayward effort from Carlos Domínguez disrupted Celta’s game plan, and Rafa Benítez responded by reshaping his midfield, choosing a more centralized setup with Jailson and Renato Tapia instead of a traditional playmaking number ten. This decision set the tone for a tense, meticulously managed encounter.
The early goal sparked a wave of positive reactions on social media, with a Teledeporte clip highlighting the moment and the promise shown by the home side. Yet the match soon settled into a cautious rhythm. Real Sociedad controlled the build-up, but their chances remained scarce as Celtic pressed with discipline and pace. The visitors executed a measured game plan, denying clear openings and inviting a stalemate that favored them as the first half wore on. The balance of play suggested a war of patience where the timing and location of chances would decide the outcome rather than sheer volume of shots.
The first half ended with Real Sociedad enjoying better ball control, though attempts to pierce Celtic’s compact shape were largely stifled. A late set-piece opportunity underscored the danger both sides possessed from dead balls, though André Silva could not convert his follow-up from a second ball, his effort sailing just high. The general picture pointed to a game shaped by defensive discipline and tight lines rather than expansive attacking play.
At halftime, Benítez reacted by bringing Luca de la Torre on to replace Miguel Rodríguez, signaling a shift toward greater dynamic influence in midfield. The change aimed to boost creativity and ball progression while balancing the midfield against Real Sociedad’s pressing and possession. It also reflected Celtic’s plan to energize their buildup from the back and stretch the opponent, with the Vigo side widening their lines to challenge the home team more directly.
With thirty minutes left, Benítez added Iago Aspas and Oscar Mingueza to the attack. Real Sociedad showed stubborn defense, repelling the initial threats and neutralizing the renewed momentum. A sharp counterattack by Becker soon after signaled a turning point, enabling the Basque side to level from an early break, and the mood shifted as home supporters sensed a late breakthrough might be on the horizon.
The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time when Luca de la Torre capitalized on a moment of vulnerability in the Celtic defense to seal the comeback. The late strike stunned the visitors and sent Real Sociedad through to the next stage, while Celtic, despite several adjustments, could not restore balance before the final whistle. The result highlighted the volatility of cup football, where strategic tweaks and late tempo changes can redefine a match in minutes.
In the match report, the teams lined up with Villars and Vázquez joining Mingueza in defense for Celta, while Starfelt and Carlos Domínguez anchored the back line. Midfield duties saw Tapia paired with Fran Beltrán after substitutions, and the front line featured Jailson and Hugo Álvarez supported by Miguel Rodríguez in earlier phases. Real Sociedad fielded Remiro in goal with a back four of Aramburu, Zubeldia, Le Normand, and Tierney, while Becker and Zubimendi protected the center and provided width, with Oyarzabal partnering with André Silva in attack before late changes. The scoreline started 0-1, then 0-2, and finished 1-2, reflecting a match that hinged on precise moments of quality and defensive misjudgment.
The venue, Abanca Balaídos, reached a sizeable crowd for this quarterfinal clash, underscoring the importance of the night as fans witnessed a contest where every phase mattered. The narrative centered on the strategic chess match between the managers, with Real Sociedad translating late pressure into a decisive finish that propelled them forward in the competition. The outcome reminded observers of football’s unpredictability and how a single moment can resonate long after the final whistle.
Event notes and lineup details: the referee was Soto Grande, with substitutions shaping the second half. The match offered a vivid example of cup football’s drama, where tactical adjustments and late goals create lasting memories for players and supporters alike. The quarterfinal will be remembered for its dramatic arc and the way Real Sociedad turned a difficult position into a hard-earned victory that kept them alive in the competition. The clash stood as a testament to perseverance and the strategic depth seen in top-tier football at this level.
Attribution: contents compiled from game coverage and post-match summaries from Teledeporte and related broadcast materials.