Two non-called penalty kicks in favor of Celta and one against the sky-blues in the final stretch of the match knocked Celta out. The Vigo team played a great match in Mestalla. Unfair defeat for a Celta team which had to cope with several unfair events that eventually became impossible to overcome. Iago Aspas scored the winning goal for the sky-blues.
After a great scare in the opening minutes, a strike smashed the post after a corner-kick by Valencia, Celta took control of the tempo, with long ball possessions and great approaches to the rival’s penalty area. After 10 minutes of game time, Jonny zoom into Valencia’s box, and was tackled in what seemed to be an obvious penalty call that went uncalled. The local squad recovered ground and the match evened up, becoming a great hard-fought battle in the midfield and very vertical attacks.
At the 28 minute mark Valencia got ahead on the scoreboard after a corner-kicked headed to the net by Zaza. Celta could have tied the match with several chances, especially a ball headed by Aspas that was stunningly deflected by Neto. At halftime Valencia led 1-0.
After halftime, Iago Aspas scored the draw after a precise strike following up on a deflected ball by the defense. Soon after, another uncalled penalty-kick, this time on a foul committed on Lobotka. Celta looked to score its second goal with great determination and had several good chances.
And what went uncalled in Valencia’s penalty box on two occasions, was signaled in Celta’s area in an ambiguos play. Penalty in favor of Valencia in the final minutes. Ruben almost made the stop, but the ball finally crossed the goal line. Huge and unfair setback, just 10 minutes away from the final whistle.
GAME SHEET
2-Valencia CF: Neto, Montoya, Paulista, Vezo, Gayá, Carlos Soler (Nacho Gil, min.61), Parejo, Kondogbia, Andreas Pereira (Maksimovic, min.89), Rodrigo (Santi Mina, min.66) and Zaza.
1-RC Celta: Rubén, Hugo Mallo, Cabral (Guidetti min.83), Fontás, Jonny, Lobotka, Tucu Hernández, Wass, Aspas, Sisto (Emre Mor, min.82) and Maxi Gómez.
Goals: 1-0, min.28: Zaza; 1-1, min.46: Iago Aspas; 2-1, min.81: Parejo (penalty).
Referee: Munuera Montero, Andalusian Committee. Zaza, Kondogbia, Maxi Gómez, Iago Aspas, Fontás booked with yellow cards.
Stadium: Mestalla.
