In a dominant display at the Balaídos Stadium, Celta outclassed Rayo Vallecano with a resounding 3-0 victory in matchday 20 of La Liga. The scoring opened in the 39th minute when Sergio Carreira found the net following a well-crafted play. Shortly after the second half began, Bryan Zaragoza extended Celta’s lead with a penalty goal in the 53rd minute, before Javi Rueda sealed the match in the 78th minute with a clinical strike past the opposing goalkeeper.
Javi Rueda was undoubtedly the standout player of the match, contributing significantly with a goal and showcasing solid defensive skills. Sergio Carreira also shone brightly, scoring once, completing 33 accurate passes, and attempting two shots on goal.
Under the guidance of coach Claudio Giráldez, Celta fielded a 3-4-3 formation, featuring Ionut Radu in goal; Javier Rodríguez, Carl Starfelt, and Marcos Alonso as defenders; Sergio Carreira, Hugo Sotelo, Ilaix Moriba, and Óscar Mingueza in midfield; with Hugo Álvarez, Pablo Duran, and Bryan Zaragoza leading the attack.
Rayo Vallecano, managed by Iñigo Perez, set up in a 4-5-1 formation, with Augusto Batalla guarding the goal; Luis Alfonso Espino, Florian Lejeune, Nobel Mendy, and Pep Chavarría in defense; Gerard Gumbau, Pedro Díaz, Álvaro García, Isaac Palazón, and Carlos Martín in midfield; and Jorge de Frutos at the front.
The match, officiated by referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer, saw Celta climbing to 32 points, placing them in 7th position, while Rayo Vallecano remains with 22 points in the 12th spot in the league standings. Celta’s next challenge will be against Real Sociedad, while Rayo prepares to host Osasuna.
Substitutions for Celta
62’ 2T – Hugo Álvarez was replaced by Williot Swedberg and Hugo Sotelo by Miguel Román.
70’ 2T – Javier Rodríguez came off for Manu Fernandez and Óscar Mingueza was substituted for Javi Rueda.
82’ 2T – Carl Starfelt was replaced by Hugo Burcio.
Cautions for Celta:
43’ 1T – Hugo Álvarez (Unsporting behavior), 58’ 2T – Hugo Sotelo (Unsporting behavior), and 65’ 2T – Iago Aspas (Arguing with an opponent).
Substitutions for Rayo Vallecano
60’ 2T – Gerard Gumbau was substituted by Randy Nteka and Luis Alfonso Espino by Alexandre Alemão.
67’ 2T – Carlos Martín was replaced by Jozhua Vertrouwd.
77’ 2T – Jorge de Frutos made way for Óscar Trejo and Isaac Palazón was substituted for Fran Pérez.
Cautions for Rayo Vallecano:
57’ 2T – Gerard Gumbau (Holding an opponent to prevent advancing), 58’ 2T – Carlos Martín (Holding an opponent to prevent advancing), and 65’ 2T – Isaac Palazón (Arguing with an opponent).
Send-off for Rayo Vallecano:
66’ 2T – Nobel Mendy (Straight red card).