A first-half strike from Samu Castillejo and goals from Marcos André and Almeida after the break secured Valencia’s win over Celta in a dramatic shootout. The match featured a direct red card for Cervi, issued after a confrontation near the end of the first period, and Valencia capitalized on the ensuing chaos with sharp counterattacks after the restart.
In the opening minutes, Celta pressed Valencia aggressively and dominated possession. Yet Valencia opened the scoring from one of their few forays forward, and a late first-half penalty decision added to the tension as Celta’s defense was briefly breached in the box. The early pressure from Celta tested the hosts, but the breakthrough benefited Valencia as the game progressed into the second half.
Both sides produced moments of promise after the opening 45 minutes, with one referee not awarding a penalty at both ends and Celta managing only a single clear chance in the period. Larsen’s shot was well saved by the Valencia goalkeeper, preserving the narrow margin at the time. The match kept a brisk tempo, with Valencia pressing for a second goal while Celta sought an equalizer through sustained pressure.
the @valenciacf YOU ALREADY HAVE A NEW Idol!
@ECavaniOfficial #ValenciaCeltic #LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/TbZmAJjrLn
– LaLiga (@LaLiga) 17 September 2022
Match action began with a lowering of the tempo as Larsen managed to thread a ball into Valencia’s final third, and the Galician side argued for a foul in the box. The home side endured the visitors’ high-press, but Valencia recovered composure and built play from the back, avoiding repeated errors that might invite danger in their own half.
The unsettled nature of the game continued as Coudet’s team persisted with their insistence on aggressive pressing. Valencia briefly hesitated to play out from the back, hurt by turnovers that could invite trouble in dangerous positions near their goal. Yet the hosts steadied themselves and found ways to advance without inviting immediate risk.
Diakhaby sent a scoring chance off the post in a moment of near-miss for Valencia, as the game swung on a fine save by the goalkeeper to preserve the stalemate. A well-timed surge from Samu Lino on the left produced a shot that forced a parry from Castillejo, who converted the rebound to hand Valencia the lead later in the half.
As the first half concluded, the dynamic remained tight. Celta continued to press Valencia in bursts, but the hosts managed to ride out the pressure without conceding, maintaining a balanced contest through the opening period.
¡@jorgenwester He tried to score a BIG GOAL #ValenciaCeltic! #LaLigaSantander #LaLigaFeatured pic.twitter.com/FfzqsYxgpU
– LaLiga (@LaLiga) 17 September 2022
The second half began with renewed protests over regional declines, prompting more intense challenges from Lino for Celta. There was no penalty awarded for a challenge on him, but a booking was issued to the attacker. Shortly after, Cervi’s interception of a ball intended for Thierry Correia resulted in a straight red card for the Galician player, dramatically altering the complexion of the match.
With half an hour remaining, the sending-off forced Celta to chase the game more openly while Valencia sat tighter and looked to strike on the counter. The shift in numbers meant Valencia could exploit space at pace, taking control as the visitors pushed forward in search of an equalizer.
Mamardarshvili’s header one-on-one with Larsen had the quality to draw Valencia level, but the chance came and went as Larsen produced a superb save. The match opened up further as Valencia sought to kill the game with a second goal, and Marcos André capitalized to extend the lead, followed by Almeida’s late strike in stoppage time to seal the victory.
Data sheet:
3 – Valencia: Mamardashvili, Thierry Correia, Gabriel Paulista (Gabriel Paulista used as a substitute in the 84th minute), Diakhaby, Gayà (Lato 84), Almeida, Hugo Guillamón, Ilaix Moriba (Nico 67), Samu Castillejo (Marcos André 71), Cavani (Kluivert 71) and Samu Lino.
0 – Celtic: Marchesín, Hugo Mallo, Aidoo, Núñez, Javi Galán, Tapia, Cervi, Fran Beltrán (Carles Pérez 57), Gabri Veiga (Óscar 57), Iago Aspas and Larsen (De la Torre 83).
Goals: 1-0, 36th minute: Samu Castillejo. 2-0, 81st minute: Marcos André. 3-0, 93rd minute: Almeida.
Judge: González Fuertes. He cautioned Hugo Guillamón (15), Lino ( Valencia) and Fran Beltrán (52) and Gabri Veiga (78) (Celta). Cervi was sent off for a direct red card after interfering with Thierry Correia (60).
Events: The match of the sixth day of the Santander League was played in front of 40,965 spectators at the Mestalla stadium.
[citation: LaLiga match report]