Celta de Vigo 0-1 Espanyol: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Bwin’s post-match review of Celta de Vigo 0-1 Espanyol in the La Liga on Sunday, 30 November 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

The match at Balaídos saw Celta de Vigo dominate possession in the first half, holding 60% of the ball overall, but they struggled to convert that into clear chances against a resilient Espanyol defence. Both sides made tactical adjustments, with Espanyol introducing K. Garcia in the 60th minute, while Celta brought on I. Moriba and J. El Abdellaoui at 70’. The game remained goalless until late, as Espanyol’s successful dribbles (54 compared to Celta’s 40) helped them maintain threats on the counter.

The breakthrough came in the 86th minute when K. Garcia scored for Espanyol, assisted by Exposito, securing a 1-0 victory in what proved to be the decisive moment. Celta responded with a substitution in the 87th, bringing on F. Jutgla for M. Roman, but they couldn’t find an equaliser. Yellow cards were shown late, with F. Jutgla cautioned for Celta in the 90+5’ and Espanyol’s U. Gonzalez and C. Romero picking up bookings at 72’ and 90+5’ respectively, reflecting a tense finish.

Celta de Vigo’s 60% possession underlined their control of the game, but Espanyol’s higher successful dribbles (54 to 40) allowed them to create more dynamic attacking opportunities, culminating in the late winning goal. Corners were closely contested at 4-3 in Celta’s favour, yet neither side capitalised significantly, while the assist count (0-1) highlighted Espanyol’s efficiency in the final third. Cards totalled one yellow for Celta and two for Espanyol, with no reds, suggesting a disciplined encounter overall, though the late bookings added pressure in stoppage time.

Substitutions played a key role, with Celta using five changes—including I. Moriba replacing J. Rueda and J. El Abdellaoui coming on for I. Aspas at 70’, followed by P. Duran for F. Beltran and W. Swedberg for B. Iglesias at 79’, and F. Jutgla for M. Roman at 87’—aiming to inject energy, but Espanyol’s adjustments, such as K. Garcia for R. Terrats at 60’ and a triple change at 76’ (C. Riedel for F. Calero, Exposito for R. Fernandez Jaen, Jofre for P. Milla), plus J. Salinas for T. Dolan at 90’, proved more impactful by setting up the assist and goal.

The game’s turning point arrived in the 86th minute when Espanyol’s K. Garcia found the net with a normal goal assisted by Exposito, breaking the deadlock and shifting momentum decisively in the visitors’ favour. Earlier, Espanyol’s substitution at 60’ saw K. Garcia replace R. Terrats, which added attacking impetus leading to the winner. Celta’s double change at 70’ brought I. Moriba on for J. Rueda and J. El Abdellaoui for I. Aspas, attempting to boost their forward line, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Espanyol’s defence.

Late yellow cards marked the closing stages, with Espanyol’s U. Gonzalez booked at 72’ for a foul, and both sides receiving cautions in added time—Celta’s F. Jutgla at 90+5’ and Espanyol’s C. Romero at the same minute—heightening the tension without altering the scoreline. Espanyol’s triple substitution at 76’ introduced C. Riedel for F. Calero, Exposito for R. Fernandez Jaen, and Jofre for P. Milla, which helped maintain their structure before the goal.

Celta de Vigo lined up in a 3-4-3 formation, focusing on width and midfield control to leverage their possession advantage, with partnerships in the back three providing stability against Espanyol’s counters.

Espanyol deployed a 4-4-2 setup, emphasising compact defending and quick transitions, where the midfield duo supported forward runs effectively, as seen in their dribbling success and the late goal.

K. Garcia earned Man of the Match honours for Espanyol, coming on as a substitute at 60’ for R. Terrats and delivering the match-winning goal in the 86th minute, demonstrating sharp finishing that turned the game in his side’s favour.

Recent La Liga matches:

• Loss: 0-1 vs Espanyol (H)
• Win: 1-0 vs Deportivo Alavés (A)
• Loss: 2-4 vs FC Barcelona (H)
• Win: 2-1 vs Levante (A)
• Win: 3-2 vs Osasuna (A)

Recent La Liga matches:

• Win: 1-0 vs Celta de Vigo (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Sevilla (H)
• Loss: 0-2 vs Villarreal (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Deportivo Alavés (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Elche (H)

Celta de Vigo will aim to recover from this narrow home defeat, where their possession dominance failed to yield goals, as they prepare for their next La Liga fixture, looking to sharpen their attacking efficiency.

Espanyol can build on this hard-fought away win, secured by a late strike, boosting their confidence ahead of their upcoming La Liga match, with an eye on maintaining defensive solidity.

Bwin brings you the most exciting betting promotions and the latest betting offers to enhance your experience.

For the best La Liga outright predictions, explore our Outright Betting guide.

Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.