A brace from Tasos Douvikas against Sestao River has qualified RC Celta for the third round of the Copa del Rey (1-2). The Greek striker opened and closed the scoring with a goal in the 17th minute and a penalty in the 78th minute, granting the Celestes a ticket to the round of 32.
The match began with two strategically positioned teams competing for possession of the ball. The forces between RC Celta and Sestao River seemed to neutralize each other, with neither showing tangible superiority, until the 17th minute when the first highlight of the game occurred: a goal from Tasos Douvikas. The Greek striker, after a long pass from Miguel Rodríguez, took advantage of the situation to outpace his opponent and precisely finish in a one-on-one against Pere Joan (1-0).
During the second half, Rafa Benítez’s team overcame the difficulties of the terrain and weather to create several dangerous chances. The most notable was a shot from Ristic that ended up in the hands of the Basque goalkeeper. In response to Celta’s attempt to extend their lead, Sestao reacted, advanced into the opposing area, and leveled the score at 1-1. This was thanks to a cross from Aranzabe that, after an unfortunate deflection from Unai Núñez, found its way into Marchesín’s goal.
With the score tied again, anything could happen. However, a penalty by Álvaro Mateo on Kevin Vázquez in the 78th minute tipped the balance. Douvikas, tasked with taking the penalty, converted it into the definitive 1-2, qualifying the Celestes for the next round of the Copa del Rey.
The draw to determine the matchups for the round of 32 of the Copa del Rey will take place on Tuesday, December 12th at 13:00 h. Meanwhile, in the league, RC Celta’s next appointment will be on Monday, December 11th at 21:00 h in Vallecas, where they will face Rayo Vallecano on matchday 16 of the competition.
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
1 – Sestao River Club: Pere Joan; Markel Etxebarria (Asier del Río, min.90), Mirapeix, Gaizka Martínez, Álvaro Mateo (Mario Camero, min.80); Carbonell (Jon Cabo, min.46), Armando Corbalán, Gete (Kepa Uriarte, min.65), Aranzabe; Jon Guruzeta (Ibai Sanz, min.80) and Leandro.
2 – RC Celta: Marchesín; Kevin, Starfelt, Unai Núñez, Ristic; Miguel Rodríguez (Carles Pérez, min.65), Dotor, Beltrán, Cervi (Tapia, min.88); Williot Swedberg (De la Torre, min.83) and Douvikas (Larsen, min.88).
Goals: 0-1, min.17: Douvikas. 1-1, min.73: Unai Núñez (own goal). 1-2, min.78: Douvikas (penalty).
Referee: Pablo González Fuertes (Asturian Committee). Yellow card to the locals Gete (min.10), Mateo (min.77), and Pere Joan (min.77), and to the visitor Miguel Rodríguez (min.42).
Incidents: Second round match of the Copa del Rey, played at Las Llanas in front of 3700 spectators.
