RC Celta edged Deportivo Alavés 2-1 in a competitive La Liga clash at Balaídos on Sunday night, using a strong second-half spell to turn a tight contest in their favour. The hosts struck first, were pegged back before the break, and then found the decisive goal after the hour mark to secure three valuable points on home soil.

Match overview

Celta began with purpose in front of their own supporters, pressing high and forcing Alavés into early errors in possession. The home side’s reward arrived in the opening quarter of the match when a turnover in midfield led to a quick attacking transition and a low finish from inside the penalty area. Alavés responded well, though, gradually settling into their mid-block and finding joy from set pieces. The equaliser came shortly before half-time, when a well-delivered corner was met with a powerful header that left the Celta goalkeeper with little chance.

After the interval, Celta raised the tempo again. Their full-backs pushed higher, the midfield pressed closer to the Alavés back line, and the visitors were forced into longer clearances. The winning moment arrived in the 67th minute, with Celta winning the ball back in the attacking third and working it into a shooting position quickly. A curled effort from the edge of the box beat the goalkeeper and restored the home side’s lead. Alavés pushed for a second equaliser late on, but Celta defended their box with discipline and managed the final minutes calmly.

Key moments

• 14th minute: Celta’s high press forced a turnover and the opener was finished calmly from close range.
• 38th minute: Alavés equalised from a corner, with a strong header beating the home goalkeeper.
• 67th minute: Celta’s winning goal came from a quick transition and a precise finish from outside the box.
• 88th minute: Alavés’ best chance of the closing stages was saved at the near post as Celta held firm.

Tactical story

Celta’s 4-2-3-1 shape was built around controlling the ball and squeezing Alavés in wide areas. The home side’s midfield duo stayed close to the centre-backs when building out, allowing the attacking line to rotate and create space between the lines. That approach worked best in the first 20 minutes and again after half-time, when Celta’s wide players began isolating their markers one-on-one.

Alavés, by contrast, were content to defend in a compact 4-4-2 and attack through set pieces and direct counter-attacks. The plan nearly earned them a point. Their equaliser came from exactly the kind of delivery they had been targeting, and their late pressure forced Celta to defend deeper than they would have liked. In the end, though, Celta’s greater urgency in the second half and their ability to create chances from turnovers made the difference.

Standout performers

Celta’s right-sided attacker was a constant outlet, stretching the Alavés defence and creating the space that led to the opening goal. The home side’s central midfielder also deserves credit for setting the tempo and winning several important second balls. For Alavés, the centre-back was strong in the air and scored the equaliser, while their goalkeeper made two important saves to keep the match level for as long as possible.

Table and season impact

The win gives Celta momentum and keeps them moving in the right direction in the La Liga standings, where every home victory against a direct mid-table rival carries extra weight. For Alavés, the result is a frustrating one: they competed well, scored from a well-worked set piece, and stayed in the game until the final whistle, but they were unable to turn late pressure into a second goal. The away side will need to improve their control of transitions if they are to pick up points on the road consistently.