Celta Vigo 2–1 Alaves: match recap

Match recap

Celta Vigo snatched a 2-1 home win over Alavés despite being outshot 20-6 and out-chanced from open play. Two goals from centre-half Javi Rodríguez and striker Ferran Jutglà on set-piece and transition moments did the damage, while goalkeeper Ionuț Radu made eight saves to keep Alavés at bay.

Alavés dominated the shot count 20-6 and put nine attempts on target to Celta's three, yet found themselves trailing 2-0 before halftime. Javi Rodríguez opened the scoring with a header from a set piece in the 23rd minute, then turned provider for Ferran Jutglà's drilled finish from a quick counter-attack in the 37th. The model share split 95–5 in Alavés' favour on season-form comparison, underlining how thoroughly the visitors controlled the run of play without the result to show for it.

Key factors

• Alavés generated 20 shots (9 on target) but converted only once, undone by Ionuț Radu's 8-save display and their own 17 fouls that ceded set-piece danger.
• Celta's two goals came from a set-piece header by Javi Rodríguez and a transition finish by Ferran Jutglà, capitalising on Alavés' defensive lapses despite ceding possession and shot volume.

The Analyst's take

The numbers paint a clear picture: Alavés were the better side on the season-form comparison and should have taken something from this match. Celta's ability to win on set pieces and transitions while riding Radu's heroics is a template they cannot count on every week. For Alavés, the shot volume and chance creation are encouraging, but converting that into points will require sharper finishing and fewer fouls that invite set-piece danger.