PAOK 1-2 Celta Vigo
Celta Vigo is well-positioned to advance to the Round of 16 in the Europa League after clinching a victory against PAOK in the first leg of their play-off round in Greece.
The match began with both teams vying for control, but Celta struck first. Captain Iago Aspas, who has been in the spotlight regarding his potential retirement this summer, received a pass from Miguel Roman and powered a shot into the bottom corner of the PAOK goal.
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Nine minutes before halftime, Celta increased their lead to 2-0. This time, Aspas provided the assist for Williot Swedberg, who also found the bottom corner, doubling the Galicians’ advantage. Swedberg was relieved to score after missing a crucial opportunity earlier in the match.
Image via Diario AS
In the second half, Celta aimed to secure a third goal to put the tie beyond doubt, nearly achieving this when PAOK goalie Antonio Tsiftsis denied a shot from Hugo Alvarez. This proved pivotal as PAOK countered, with Alexander Jeremejeff finding the top corner of Ionut Radu’s net to narrow the deficit to 2-1.
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Celta Leaves with Positivity for the Return Match
Fer Lopez nearly restored Celta’s two-goal lead, but the match concluded without further goals. Claudio Giraldez’s team is now in control of the tie and can secure their place in the Round of 16 by avoiding defeat at Balaidos next Thursday, where they will join fellow La Liga team Real Betis.
However, before that, Celta must shift their focus to La Liga, with Mallorca visiting Balaidos on Sunday as both teams chase vital points.