Celta Vigo welcomed Valencia to the Estadio de Balaidos looking to move out of the relegation zone with three points.
Neither side created too many chances in the first period, but Valencia did look the team more likely to open the scoring.
The second half followed a similar pattern, but there was to be late drama when Nelson Valdez scored the winner in the final minute of the match.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Our La Liga live coverage gets underway this weekend as Celta Vigo welcome Valencia. Both teams are in desperate need of the points in the final third of the season, but for very different reasons. Celta have seen themselves pulled into a relegation battle in recent weeks, but Valencia’s form has seen them move into top six.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Valencia were 2-1 winners in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. However, aside from the clash this season, the pair have not met in La Liga since 2007, when Valencia were 1-0 winners at the Mestalla. Celta have managed just one win from their last five matches against their opponents this evening.
Let’s take a closer look at how each side has fared this season. Celta have lost three of their last five matches in all competitions, also failing to win during that period. They were beaten last time out by fellow relegation contenders Osasuna, a result that dropped them into 18th position in the table.
Despite their unwelcome position in the relegation zone, they are just one point from safety with Osasuna just floating above in 17th. However, there has been a gap emerging in recent weeks with the likes of Athletic Bilbao and Espanyol picking up impressive wins in the past few matches.
Celta’s defence has not been their weak point, however. They have conceded just 27 goals in their 22 matches, just two more than Barcelona and eight less than Valencia. It has been down the other end that they have struggled, with just 21 goals in 22 games. That is in contrast to Valencia who have managed 31 in the same amount of matches. Right, the team news is just filtering through.
TEAMS:
CELTA: Varas; Demidov, Bellvis, Tunez, Johny; Oubina, Fernandez, Lopez, Krohn-Dehli; Orellana, Aspas
VALENCIA: Guaita; Costa, Barragan, Rami, Cissokho; Albelda, Banega, Costa, Feghouli; Soldado, Jonas
So there we have it. Celta name arguably their strongest available side with Iago Aspas joined in attack by Orellana, but Chu-Young Park has to make do with a spot on the bench. Valencia, meanwhile, pair Jonas and Roberto Soldado in attack, with Nelson Valdez on the bench. Meanwhile, Sergio Canales is deemed not yet ready to play from the start.
Valencia currently occupy sixth position in the table. They secured an impressive 1-1 draw against Barcelona last time out to make it four points from their last two matches. They sit just two points behind fourth-placed Malaga and with a real chance of finishing in the Champions League positions come the end of the season.
In terms of the match this evening, Celta have endured mixed fortunes on their own patch this season with four wins, four draws and two defeats from their 10 matches at home. Valencia, meanwhile, have managed three wins from their 10 matches on the road, taking 11 points in the process. Those numbers point to a close game this evening.
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. I do not think there will be too many goals in it, but I am backing Valencia to come away with all three points.
Today's referee is Fernando Teixeira. Let's hope that we can keep all 22 players on the pitch in this match with an incredible influx of red cards in La Liga this season. Partly down to the rule that any handball is now a yellow card. Right, the away side get the action underway on this mild early evening in Spain.
Decent start from Valencia as Banega picks up possession before searching out Jonas with a ranging pass, but Bellvis is across to clear at the vital moment. The danger remains momentarily as Soldado attempts to dance into the penalty area, but this time Tunez is on hand to make the clearance.
Not a full house inside the stadium this early evening, but there is a nice feel to the atmosphere. If Celta score first, then the crowd really will get behind them, but an away goal would let more doubts creep into the stadium. Not too much to report in terms of chances at the moment with Valencia enjoying most of the ball in the Celta half.
The away side continue to enjoy the better of the possession as Feghouli, on his return from the Africa Cup of Nations, collects possession out wide before drilling a low cross into the box, but once more Bellvis clears. You just get the feeling that Celta need to isolate Aspas against the likes of Costa if they are to have some success in this match. Very early stages, not too much to get excited about thus far.
Again it's good work from Valencia as Barragan combines with Costa before whipping a low cross into the box, but the danger is cleared by Borja Oubina, who has dropped deeper in an attempt to see more of the ball. The away side continue to work the ball from left to right, but they have thus far been unable to find that elusive final pass. Nothing to report in terms of a Celta attack in the opening eight minutes.
A reminder that we have three back-to-back live commentaries from La Liga this evening with Levante and Malaga clashing following this match, before Real Madrid welcome Sevilla in the late start. Be sure to remain with us for the entirety of the action. This match has just turned scrappy in the past few minutes with neither side taking too much care in possession.
You just get the feeling that the first goal this evening - if there indeed is one - will have a huge say on the final result. Celta's confidence is just so low at the moment, with their star man Aspas possibly distracted by transfer speculation in January. Slightly scrappy proceedings at the moment as the challenges continue to fly in from both sides.
First real half-chance of the match as Jonas collects possession on the edge of the box before dropping his shoulder and striking a powerful effort towards goal, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. Celta attempt to break down the other end with Orellana, but the ever-impressive Rami is across to clear.
It's good work from the home side as Krohn-Dehli collects possession on the right before driving past Barragan and firing a low cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Aspas, with the Spaniard only able to slice wide of the target. End-to-end period of the match, but neither side has really threatened to take the lead thus far.
It's good work from the home side as Krohn-Dehli collects possession on the right before driving past Barragan and firing a low cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Aspas, with the Spaniard only able to slice wide of the target. End-to-end period of the match, but neither side has really threatened to take the lead thus far.
Again it's good play from Celta as Aspas dances past two challenges before firing an effort towards the top corner, but it just moves high of the post. Meanwhile, Ricardo Costa picks up the first yellow card of the match for a late challenge on Alex Lopez. Just one handball and he is off!
Again it's good play from Celta as Aspas dances past two challenges before firing an effort towards the top corner, but it just moves high of the post. Meanwhile, Ricardo Costa picks up the first yellow card of the match for a late challenge on Alex Lopez. Just one handball and he is off!
Suddenly the match has just burst into life with Celta committing numbers to each attack, but their final ball has just let them down thus far. The crowd lets out another cheer as Aspas dances into the penalty area, but he can only clip his effort over the crossbar with Guaita rooted to the spot.
CHANCE! It's all Celta at the moment as Aspas drives into the penalty area before feeding Orellana some five yards from goal, but Rami is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. You just get the feeling that the home side need to score during this period in the match. Valencia attack down the other end moments later with Jonas, but once more it breaks down.
Valencia have just taken control once more in the past few moments with Jonas and Banega prepared to join Soldado in the final third, but they have thus far been unable to create a clear striking opportunity. It is an incredibly open match at the moment, however, with Celta coming close down the other end with a deep cross from Aspas.
Valencia have just taken control once more in the past few moments with Jonas and Banega prepared to join Soldado in the final third, but they have thus far been unable to create a clear striking opportunity. It is an incredibly open match at the moment, however, with Celta coming close down the other end with a deep cross from Aspas.
It's Celta's turn to threaten once more as Fernandez combines with Johny before drilling a low cross into the box, but it is cleared for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Orellana, but it's a disappointing delivery from the attacker with his cross hitting the side-netting. It does appear that the opening goal will soon be on its way.
Valencia come close with a chance of their own as Soldado combines with Jonas in the penalty area, but the Brazilian’s shot is pushed away. The rebound falls to Soldado, but the striker just cannot hit the target from close range. The opening goal could really go either way with both sides having chances.
Again it’s good work from Valencia as Costa drives forward from defence before feeding Feghouli down the right, but it just would not fall back to the winger with Tunez on hand to clear the danger. The atmosphere remains inside the stadium, but the away side have just started to take control once more.
It’s Celta’s turn to attack as Orellana combines with Aspas outside the penalty area before striking towards goal, but Rami is across to make a fine block. The danger continues as Lopez drops his shoulder before driving into the box, but the danger is cleared for a corner, which is also headed clear by Albelda. End-to-end football once more.
It appears unlikely that Cissokho will be able to continue as the Frenchman comes away limping from a second challenge in quick succession. I am not sure if the Valencia camp will be prepared to take any chances as he hobbles off the pitch. The early change will indeed be made when the ball next goes out of play.
The change is indeed made as Jose Pereira replaces Cissokho, who has moved straight down the tunnel. Celta attempt to capitalise on the defensive reshuffle as Aspas drives into the box before finding Lopez, but Rami is across to clear at the vital moment. The score remains 0-0, but that is an injustice to the excitement in the latter stages of the half.
Half-chance for Valencia as Banega strikes a free kick from outside the box, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. Cissokho has indeed taken his place on the bench, but he does not look happy. That injury could keep him out for some time. Little over five minutes of the half remaining and Valencia are the side in the ascendancy as things stand.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with neither side taking too much care in possession of the ball. It’s good work from the home side as Orellana combines with Aspas before drilling a low cross into the box, but Rami is on hand to make the clearance. Both sides will take positives from the first period.
Couple of half-chances for the home side in the latter stages of the half as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is headed clear by Rami before Lopez’s cross moves along the edge of the box and out for a throw. You do wonder whether Celta will be made to regret these missed chances. We will play one minute of stoppage time at the end of the half.
POST! Wonderful chance for Valencia to take the lead in the final seconds of the half as Costa meets a cross from Banega, but he can only thump his header against the foot of the post. What a moment in this match. The two sides will enter the break level.
HALF-TIME: Celta Vigo 0-0 Valencia
Sorry about the lack of updates in the half-time period, we have been experiencing a few technical problems. Right, looking ahead to the second half, both teams have options from the bench with Park available for the home side and Valdez for Valencia. Celta get the second 45 minutes underway.
Good start to the second period from the home side as Aspas collects possession out wide before driving a low cross into the box, but Rami is on hand to clear the danger. Orellana comes close moments later with a powerful effort, but it never had the direction to trouble the away side’s goalkeeper.
It’s Valencia’s turn to attack as Jonas picks up possession before driving down the right, he fires a low cross into the box, but Bellvis is on hand to clear under pressure from Soldado. Not too much to get excited about in terms of clear chances. Anyone for a 0-0 draw in this match?
The home side make their first change of the match as Augusto, who appeared to be carrying an injury, is replaced by Bermejo. The powerful striker is involved almost immediately as he collects possession before firing towards the top corner, but it just moved high of the target. Slightly bitty match at the moment with seven minutes of the second period played.
Possession football from Celta at the moment as they attempt to gain some sort of control over this stern Valencia side. Another chance arrives as Krohn-Dehli strikes one from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the target. Meanwhile, both sides are guilty of giving away a host of fouls in the opposing half as the bitty period in the game continues.
Half-chance for Albelda as the Valencia defender drives into the opposing box, but he can only fire his effort over the crossbar. What on earth was the experienced Spaniard doing that far up the pitch?! Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and although both sides are threatening, clear chances remain very much at a premium.
Again the home side threaten with numbers as Bermejo combines with Aspas before drilling a low cross into the box, but Rami is on hand to clear the danger at the vital moment. Not too much for Valencia in terms of their attack, which prompts them into making a change with Albelda replaces by Parejo for the final 30 minutes or so of this La Liga clash.
The pressure continues from Celta as they continue to work the ball from right to left, but Valencia are a different animal from the early stages of the season as they continue to quell the threat on each attack. You just get the feeling that one goal will be enough to win this match, but neither side has really done enough to pick up all three points thus far.
It's all Valencia at the moment as they continue to play their football in the Celta half, but the home side continue to resist the danger. A point would not be the worst result for the home side, but these are the type of matches that Valencia simply have to win if they want to make the top four this season. Still no movement on their bench.
It's Celta's turn to attack as Alex Lopez drives down the right before drilling a low cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Aspas. Another half-chance arrives moments later as Bermejo rises above bodies to head towards the goal, but it was always moving past the far post.
Another opportunity comes for the home side as Orellana fires a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but the referee pulls it up for a foul on Rami. Valencia attempt to attack immediately down the other end with Soldado, but the Spaniard cannot find Jonas and it breaks down. Little over 20 minutes remaining.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes with neither side taking too much care in possession of the ball. A half-chance does arrive for Valencia as Jonas strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving past the post. Celta attempt to respond with an attack of their own, but Aspas cannot collect under pressure from Rami.
CHANCE! Just about the best chance of the second period for Valencia as Jonas meets a high ball with wonderful technique, but his effort is just pushed wide of the post. The resulting corner also causes a host of problems, but eventually the danger is scrambled clear. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining and the score remains 0-0.
Another opportunity arrives for Valencia as Jonas feeds Soldado in the box, but the Spaniard is adjudged to have felled Bellvis in the process and the referee awards a free kick. Still no movement on either bench, but both have a couple of changes remaining should they so wish. Will we have late drama in Vigo?
The home side make another change as Lopez is replaced by Pranjic for the final five minutes of normal time. Valencia remain the side very much in the ascendancy as Soldado dances into the box before finding Costa, but once more the referee whistles for a foul in the penalty area and play is halted.
Neither side has settled for a draw just yet as the attacks continue to flow with pace and numbers, but it does appear unlikely that we will have a goal in the final stages. Meanwhile, the home side make their third and final change as Aspas is replaced by Park. Can the on-loan Arsenal man inspire his side in the final stages?
Neither side has settled for a draw just yet as the attacks continue to flow with pace and numbers, but it does appear unlikely that we will have a goal in the final stages. Meanwhile, the home side make their third and final change as Aspas is replaced by Park. Can the on-loan Arsenal man inspire his side in the final stages?
Valencia make another change in the final moments as Jonas is replaced by Valdez. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of football at the end of the half. Will we have late drama? Valencia have possession in the Celta half, but the referee's whistle once more slows proceedings.
Not too much to report in stoppage time with both sides seemingly settling for a share of the spoils. Just a reminder that we have two more back-to-back live commentaries in La Liga to come following the completion of this match. Valencia continue to enjoy the ball in the Celta half, but there is just little over 30 seconds remaining.
GOAL! Celta Vigo 0-1 Valencia (Valdez)
Wow! Valencia surely win it in the last few seconds as Valdez rises highest in the box to thump his header into the back of the net. What a three points for the away side, but what will this do for the confidence of Celta? Incredible end to this match.
FULL-TIME: Celta Vigo 0-1 Valencia
So there we have it. Valdez scores in the final minute to secure a 1-0 win for Valencia. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and remain with us for more La Liga football. Until then!
