Celta Vigo welcomed Granada to the Estadio de Balaidos on Sunday in desperate need of the points to aid their relegation struggles.
They had the lead after 24 minutes when Iago Aspas converted from close range, but the away side were level courtesy of Odion Ighalo four minutes later.
Both sides had chances in the second period, but it was the home side that won it late on courtesy of a goal from Mario Bermejo.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! The first of our three back-to-back live La Liga commentaries comes from Vigo as Celta welcome Granada in what could be considered a six-pointer. The home side currently sit in 18th position in the table, five points from safety. Meanwhile, Granada sit in 14th, six points ahead of the drop zone.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won two of the previous five matches, with the other ending in a draw. The last clash in the league at this stadium was in the Segunda Division, however, in June 2011. The fact that both were in the second tier not too long ago is a clear indication of how far each has come.
As mentioned, Celta have lost three of their last five matches in the league, failing to win during that period. They have taken just two points from their last six matches, with just two teams registering a worse record during the same period. If they are to move away from trouble, then these are the type of matches that they simply have to win.
Their home form has not been too disastrous with four wins, four draws and three defeats from 11 matches, taking 16 points in the process. However, they have the worst away record in the league, winning one, drawing one and losing 11 of their 13 matches on the road. It is clear to see why they have struggled.
They have also struggled to score goals this season with just 22 strikes in their 24 matches thus far. Only Osasuna (20) have scored fewer. That is in contrast to their defence, however, which has conceded just 31 times, the seventh-best record in the league. Granada, meanwhile, have scored 23 goals and conceded 34. Right, the team news is just reaching us.
TEAMS:
CELTA: Varas; Cabral, Demidov, Lago, Johny; Oubina, Fernandez, Lopez, Krohn-Dehli; Orellana, Aspas
GRANADA: Tono; Siqueira, Nyom, Mainz, Lopez; Nolito, Rico, Recio, Torje; Ighalo, Aranda
So there we have it. The home side recall Orellana alongside Iago Aspas in attack, while Alex Lopez and Borja Oubina also start. Granada, meanwhile, have Aranda back from injury, but Diego Buonanotte surprisingly remains on the bench despite impressing in recent weeks.
Granada enter the match having taken 10 points from their last six matches to move into 14th position in the table. They have impressed with recent wins over Deportivo and Real Madrid and they were narrowly beaten by Barcelona in their last league clash, with Messi scoring twice as the Catalan outfit came from behind.
Their away record has also been quite impressive with four wins, one draw and seven defeats from their 12 matches. That is in contrast to their form on their own patch, where they have largely struggled, winning just three times from 12 matches, taking 13 points in the process.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Celta are really struggling at the moment, but I am backing them to pick up a narrow 2-1 victory. Be sure to remain with us for the entirety.
Today's referee is Cesar Munez. Let's hope that we can keep all 22 players on the pitch with an influx of red cards in La Liga this season. Celta simply have to start picking up wins if they wish to move away from the bottom three, but Granada are in a good run of form. The home side get the action underway.
Bright start from the home side as Aspas immediately drives into the penalty area before attempting to find Orellana, but Nyom is on hand to clear the danger. Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a decent atmosphere. It is so important that Celta make a strong start to this match.
Again it's good work from Celta as Borja Oubina collects possession outside the box before combining with Orellana. The latter eventually turns in the box before firing towards the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Bright opening four minutes to this La Liga encounter.
Granada attempt to counter down the other end as Ighalo drives past two defenders before firing a low cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Aranada, with Javi Varas out to make the clearance. Plenty of suggestions that we will have goals in this match as the afternoon develops.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of handing possession away in midfield. A double chance does come for the home side as Fernandez strikes an effort at Tono before heading the rebound over the crossbar. You just have to take those chances when you are down towards the bottom of the table.
Another half-chance comes for the home side as Orellana drives into the penalty area before cutting back towards Aspas, but Tono is out to clear at the vital moment. Granada attempt to break once more with the pace of Ighalo, but the Nigerian is too quick for his teammates and play breaks down in the final third.
Again Aspas is involved for the home side as he leads a three-man attack, but the Spaniard makes the wrong decision in the final moment, deciding to shoot instead of play the pass. Plenty of suggestions that Celta have been given licence to throw everything forward in attack. Not too much for the home side in the final third thus far.
Ighalo remains the biggest threat for Granada as he embarks on a mazy run before firing a low cross into the penalty area, but Varas just comes out to claim with Aranda in close proximity. You could have been forgiven for thinking that this was going to be a low-key affair. It has been anything but.
The end-to-end period of the match continues as Aspas comes close with a low drive for Celta before Torje fires wide down the other end. Not too much possession being played in midfield, rather each team attempting to go from front to back in one long pass. Whatever works!
You attack, we attack. You attack, we attack. That has been the pattern in the opening 18 minutes of this match. I am certainly not complaining, but I shouldn't think that the managers will be too pleased at just how open it is. It is the kind of match that needs a goal in order to settle everyone down. It remains 0-0 as the first period begins to gather some serious pace.
The referee has been busy in the last couple of moments as he is forced into making a number of decisions. Slightly untidy period to the match as the challenges continue to fly in from both sides. Aspas is again the danger for Celta, but his mazy run is quelled by a fine challenge from Nyom.
Decent spell from the away side in the last couple of moments with Aranda and Igahlo both having attempts from close range, but a combination of goalkeeper and defender makes the block on each occasion. Despite the intensity, we await the first real chance of this match with 22 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for the home side to test Tono from distance as Mainz fells Aspas outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick is taken by Aspas, but he can only fire his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Not one of his best efforts that is for certain. Just about 20 minutes of the first period remaining.
It's good work from Fernandez as the Celta midfielder weaves into the penalty area, but Nyom is across to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is whipped into the penalty area by Orellana, but Krohn-Dehli cannot make proper contact and Tono is on hand to collect with relative ease.
GOAL! Celta Vigo 1-0 Granada (Aspas)
Just when his side needed him Aspas has come up with the goods. It's bright work from the striker as he darts into the penalty area before chipping his effort over the onrushing goalkeeper. What a massive goal in the course of Celta's season.
You cannot say that it had been coming, but the home side have certainly looked the most likely to open the scoring. However, you just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals this afternoon. Wonderful opening 27 minutes of football in Vigo.
GOAL! Celta Vigo 1-1 Granada (Ighalo)
Good grief! Granada are on terms almost immediately as Nyom drives down the right before whipping a dangerous cross into the box, with Ighalo on hand to thump a volley into the back of the net. Wow! That was some strike from the forward.
In my opinion, this weekend of La Liga football thus far has been among the best of the season. That pattern has continued in this match with an enthralling opening 30 minutes to this match. Celta attack down the other end with Fernandez, but the midfielder can only fire over the crossbar from distance.
Neither side is really in control of the possession at the moment with both guilty of handing the ball away with relative ease. Granada attempt to force the issue as Ighalo drives into the box, but he is immediately surrounded by two defenders and the danger is cleared.
Ighalo again threatens on the break with his pace, but Johny fells the striker, picking up a yellow card for his troubles. The resulting free kick is fired into the penalty area by Torje, but Varas comes a long way to clear the danger. Just about 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
The home side are next to attack as they work the ball from left to right before Aspas strikes an effort from close range, but Tono gets down low to make the save before Nyom fires wide of the danger zone. In fairness, both teams have defended well in the opening 37 minutes of this match.
Good grief Ighalo has some serious pace. The Nigerian just made up about 10 yards within seconds, but Lago just does enough to play the ball back to his own goalkeeper. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, despite Torje heading wide from just inside the box.
End-to-end football at the moment as Granada threaten with two corners, before Aspas leads the counter down the other end. The striker wants a free kick just outside the box as Nyom comes in with a late challenge, but the referee is simply not interested. Not too much more to be played in the first period.
Decent possession from the home side in the latter stages of the first period with Aspas and Orellana both enjoying plenty of the ball. Krohn-Dehli has not really been able to threaten out wide, however, with Nyom on top form in this match. Little over two minutes of normal time to play in this half and the score remains 1-1.
Not too much to report in the final stages of the half with both sides seemingly accepting that they will enter the break level. What a massive 45 minutes of football to come in the second period. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of football at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Celta Vigo 1-1 Granada
So there we have it. The referee blows his whistle with the two sides level at 1-1 at the interval. Celta took the lead courtesy of a fine finish from Aspas after 24 minutes, but Ighalo scored a spectacular leveller four minutes later. It is delicately poised ahead of the second period.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. The home side have dominated the possession with 59%, while they have had eight attempts to Granada's three. Celta certainly enjoyed the better of the early stages, but Granada grew into the latter stages of the first period.
What about the benches for this afternoon? The home side have a host of attacking options with Mario Bermejo, Chu-young Park and Kike de Lucas all in the squad. Meanwhile, Granada have the likes of Youssef El Arabi and Diego Bounanotte in reserve. There are certainly some goals in that list.
Just a reminder of what we have to come this evening. Following the completion of this match we move to Madrid as Atletico Madrid welcome in-form Espanyol. Our final match of the evening is another pulsating clash as Real Betis welcome Malaga. Be sure to remain with us.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is perhaps not too surprising at this stage of events. As it stands, Celta would remain 18th, while Granada would remain 14th. The away side get the half underway.
You just get the feeling that the next goal in this match - if there indeed is one - could have a huge say on the final result. Early chance for the home side as Lopez fires a searching cross into the box, but it is just too high for Orellana. He would have needed a ladder to reach that one.
Slight problem for Cabral here as the Argentine defender hits the deck under a challenge from Recio. There did not appear to be a great deal in it, but it has caused the defender some pain. Following a brief spell of treatment, play does indeed continue with the away side on the attack.
Aspas is involved for the home side once more as he collects a pass from Fernandez before advancing on goal, but the referee blows his whistle with the flag raised. The away side want a penalty moments later as Aranda takes a tumble in the box, but the referee is simply not interested in awarding a decision.
Another half-chance comes to Celta as Alex Lopez beats the offside trap before advancing on goal, but the ever-impressive Nyom is across to make the clearance at the vital moment. Aspas attempts to go alone moments later, but once more the Granada defence remains strong.
The end-to-end period of the match continues as Aranda fires a cross into the penalty area, but the danger is cleared at the vital moment. Unsurprisingly, Aspas involved down the other end moments later, but it comes to nothing. Just about 35 minutes of football to play in this match and the score remains 1-1.
It's good work from Aranda as the Spanish striker collects possession out wide before firing a low cross into the box, but Demidov is on hand to make the clearance. Not too much possession being played in the middle of the pitch at the moment, rather each team moving from back to front with one pass.
Not too much to report in terms of chances with just about 30 minutes of this match remaining. In fairness to the home supporters, they have stayed with their side despite their struggles since taking the lead. You just get the feeling that the next goal would win it.
The home side make their first change of the match as Bermejo replaces Orellana, who has just struggled to influence proceedings in the second period. In truth, there has not really been a clear opportunity in this second period with the quality of the final pass lacking from both teams.
It's good work from Aranda as the Spanish striker cuts inside two defenders before striking towards the bottom corner, but Varas is on hand to make the save. Granada just look more dangerous in the final third at the moment with Aspas and Krohn-Dehli receiving no service whatsoever.
Just as I say that Aspas gets involved in the latest attack as the Spanish striker combines with Lopez before striking towards the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Meanwhile, the home side make their second change of the match as De Lucas replaces Krohn-Dehli.
Slightly nervy moment for Tono as the Granada goalkeeper is put under pressure from a high cross, but the Spaniard does manage to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that a mistake could decide this match, which would be just about the cruellest possible outcome. Just over 20 minutes remaining.
The away side want a penalty as Igahlo appears to tumble in the penalty area, but the referee is simply not interested. Another half-chance arrives as Lago drives into the box before finding Riko, but the Spaniard just cannot find a shot on target. Will we have a winner in the latter stages of this match?
The pressure continues from Granada as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is headed clear by Lago before Varas comes out to claim the second. Still no major movement on the away bench as we approach the latter stages of the match. It is all to play for.
The away side do indeed make a change as Torje is replaced by Buonanotte. It continues to surprise me that the Argentine, signed from Sevilla last month, does not start every week. He truly is one of the most talented players in the league. Little over 15 minutes of this tie remaining.
Not too much to report in the latter stages of this match with both sides guilty of poor passing in midfield. In truth, the second period has not lived up to the excitement provided in the first. On the face of it, a point would not be the worst result for the home side.
Celta make their third and final change of the match as Vila replaces Demidov. The defender picked up an injury in the early stages of the second period, which does appear to have troubled him in the past few minutes. All the good attacking work is coming from Granada in the latter stages.
Right, little under 10 minutes of football to play and the score remains 1-1. The match has become ever so untidy in the last few minutes with both sides making rash challenges. The referee is called into action, but he keeps his cards in his pocket, quite rare for a La Liga referee these days. In truth, it has not really been that type of match.
GOAL! Celta Vigo 2-1 Granada (Bermejo)
Celta lead! What a goal that could prove to be. It's good work from Fernandez as the Argentine fires a low cross into the box, with Bermejo on hand to slice into the top corner. Lucky strike, but an important one.
Just when the home side needed someone to provide a bit of inspiration, Bermejo fires into the top corner. They have six minutes of normal time to hang on, but Granada make an immediate change as Brahimi replaces Rico. Can they respond?
CHANCE! Glorious chance for the home side to wrap up all three points as Aspas finds Fernandez in the box, but somehow the Argentine fires wide of the post. What an opportunity. Little over five minutes remaining.
Decent response from the away side with Aranda and Igahlo both crafting outside the box, but they have just been unable to find that elusive final pass in this second period. In fairness, they have not really done enough to be worthy of taking something from the match.
The away side make their third and final change as El-Arabi replaces Nyom for the final couple of moments. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time and we are indeed into the first of those.
All or nothing for Granada as they continue to fire high balls into the penalty area, but it is a case of 'anywhere will do' for Celta as they continue to clear the danger. What a three points this would be. Little over one minute of football remaining, with Granada unable to find a way through.
FULL-TIME: Celta Vigo 2-1 Granada
So there we have it. Massive win for the home side as they move to within two points of safety. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and remain with us for action from Madrid. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
