The sky blue domination went from less to more in the first half, so that Sevilla ended up closing in on their own field. Despite the growing local superiority, RC Celta’s offensives ended with little danger for the Andalusians, except for a great play by Denis Suárez, finished by the midfielder himself with a powerful shot that put the rival goalkeeper to the test.
The start of the second half endorsed what was seen at the end of the first forty-five minutes, if possible with more intensity. An RC Celta ready to score by all means was launched to the attack spurred on by the fans who were hooked to their team to the maximum.
In the 50th minute came the best chance for Coudet’s team, Santi Mina’s shot hit the woodwork after a beautiful combination of Iago Aspas, Nolito and the striker from Vigo.
And just when RC Celta were at their best, the Sevillian goal arrived. Five minutes after crashing a ball against the post, the Olivian box conceded a goal by Rafa Mir in almost the first chance of the visitors.
Sevilla FC’s goal was a setback for the Galicians, who were unable to regain their dominance on the pitch. Coudet made some fresh players and RC Celta kept trying until the last second, but the goal did not come.
TECHNICAL SHEET
0 – RC CELTA: Dituro, Hugo Mallo, Aidoo, Murillo, Galán, Beltrán (Galhardo, min.81), Brais Méndez, Denis Suárez, Nolito (Cervi, min.66), Iago Aspas, Santi Mina.
1 – SEVILLA FC: Bono, Jesús Navas, Gudelj, Rekik, Augustinsson, Fernando, Jordán (Óscar, min.73), Rakitic (Suso, min.52), Óliver Torres (Delaney, min.52), Ocampos (Acuña, min.73), Rafa Mir (Lamela, min.65).
Goals: Rafa Mir (0-1, min.55).
Referee: De Burgos Bengoetxea, from the Basque committee. Yellow cards for Brais Méndez, Iago Aspas (RC Celta), Rakitic, Jesús Navas, Joan Jordán (Sevilla FC).
Field: Abanca Balaídos (10,774 spectators).
Remarks: before the match, the number one RC Celta season ticket holder, Alicia Barreiro, was honored as a representative of all the celtismo on the day when soccer returned without capacity restrictions. In addition, minute of silence in memory of former players Joaquín Álvarez and Pedro Taberner and historical season ticket holders Álvaro Viéitez and Joaquín Núñez.
