Celta edge out Betis in seven-goal thriller
The result is perhaps not so surprising when considering that Carlos Carvalhal’s side have now lost only one of their last 10 matches in all competitions, and they got off to the best possible start in this topsy-turvy contest. Jørgen Strand Larsen stunned the hosts in the sixth minute with a fantastic first-time volley from a cross by Carles Pérez. That lead lasted barely three minutes though, as Juanmi took advantage of some indecisive defending from the visitors to prod the ball past Iván Villar after Andrés Guardado’s acrobatic strike deflected into his path. The game was then completely turned on its head by a sumptuous Betis move, which resulted in Borja Iglesias exquisitely teeing up Sergio Canales for a close-range finish. A breathless first half took yet another twist when Gabri Veiga levelled the scores with a sublime lob over Rui Silva following an outrageous back-heeled assist from Luca de la Torre shortly before the break.
The high level of finishing continued after the restart when Carlos Carvalhal’s men went in front for the second time in the match. Iago Aspas threaded a delightful pass into Strand Larsen, who laid the ball on a plate for Veiga to score his second and Celta's third of the match. Pellegrini’s men pressed forward in search of an equaliser, with Nabil Fekir’s free-kick flying inches wide of the target, but it was the Galicians who scored again. A clearance from Iglesias found its way to Joseph Aidoo, who headed past Silva and gave the visitors a two-goal cushion.
Aspas nearly added a fifth goal for Celta, only for Youssouf Sabaly to provide a goal-line intervention. Abner Vinícius missed a huge opportunity to reduce the deficit inside the six-yard box, but the Brazilian played a prominent role in a spot-kick being awarded to Betis following a VAR review. His pressure forced Óscar Mingueza into handling the ball inside the box, and Fekir dispatched the subsequent penalty. There was still time for more drama in this incredible encounter, as Luiz Felipe received a straight red card for charging into the back of Aspas on a night to forget for the Andalusians. Betis goalkeeper coach Toni Doblas also received his marching orders in an ill-tempered end to the encounter.
This was ultimately a wasted opportunity for Pellegrini’s men after rivals Atlético Madrid and Villarreal both dropped points in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification. They remain sixth, while Celta almost doubled their tally of away goals this season coming into this encounter (five) and move up to 11th.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Gabri Veiga (Celta Vigo)