Celta de Vigo continues to struggle at Balaídos, transforming their home ground into a lifeline for relegation-threatened teams and a hostile environment for Claudio’s side. Levante became the latest team to take advantage, rallying from behind twice to claim a victory that keeps their survival hopes alive.
On a day when a win would have all but secured European football for another season, Celta suffered a damaging setback, increasing the pressure on their remaining fixtures. After two weeks of defensive improvement, Claudio’s team saw three points slip away due to lapses at the back and a tendency to sit back after taking the lead. Celta caused problems for Levante whenever they pressed, but each time they went ahead, they retreated, giving the visitors space and inviting a flurry of mistakes.
The match started promisingly. Claudio’s lineup packed the field with technical players, and Celta’s pace overwhelmed Levante early. Within two minutes, Fer López tested goalkeeper Ryan, and soon after, Jutglá scored. But the team’s aggression faded quickly. As Levante organized, Celta shifted into a passive mode, choosing to defend rather than attack.
The equalizer came late in the first half when Arriaga unleashed a powerful shot from distance that Radu failed to stop. Celta nearly regained the lead before halftime, but Ryan made two sharp saves to keep the score level.
In the second half, Celta repeated the pattern. Fer López set up Rueda, who found Jutglá for another easy goal. Again, Celta dropped back, allowing Levante to dominate. Dela scored a stunning equalizer, and then from a corner, Brugue found himself unmarked to give Levante the lead.
Desperate changes from Claudio brought fresh attackers, and Celta pushed hard. Mingueza created chances, but Pablo Durán hit the side netting and Borja Iglesias missed a clear opportunity. Levante clung on, nearly sealing the result with a shot off the post. Despite frantic pressure, Celta could not find the equalizer. The team’s lack of intensity after taking the lead proved fatal, a problem that Claudio and his players must resolve.
