RC Celta de Vigo secured a crucial 3-0 victory over 10-man Villarreal in LaLiga, boosting their European aspirations while handing El Submarino Amarillo their third defeat in 13 matches (W6, D4).
Following two consecutive losses, Celta started strong, with Marcos Alonso and Fer López both coming close early on.
Their efforts were rewarded when Villarreal were reduced to 10 men after Eric Bailly was sent off for a reckless challenge on Alfonso González, who was racing toward goal.
With the advantage firmly in their grasp, Celta broke the deadlock just before halftime. Fran Beltrán’s low cross found an unmarked López, who slotted home his second goal of the season.
The second half saw Celta maintain their dominance. On 53 minutes, they doubled their lead in a chaotic sequence. Ilaix Moriba, who had been substituted at halftime, struck the post, and after a scramble, Borja Iglesias calmly finished to give Celta a 2-0 lead.
Villarreal struggled to mount a comeback, and Celta came close to extending their lead when Iago Aspas, another second-half substitute, almost scored after a defensive mistake led to a first-time shot that had goalkeeper Luiz Júnior scrambling.
The game appeared destined to end with a 2-0 scoreline, but Moriba sealed the result by winning a penalty after being fouled by Pape Gueye.
Aspas stepped up and converted the penalty, capping off a dominant performance by the hosts.
The victory marked Villarreal’s third defeat in 14 encounters away to Celta and kept them in fifth place, one point ahead of Real Betis Balompié with six matches remaining.
Meanwhile, Celta’s strong home form continued, as they’ve accumulated 33 points from 46 at Estadio de Balaídos this season (W10, D3, L4), putting them in seventh place and in the mix for European qualification.
