Celta Vigo secured a narrow victory against Osasuna on February 21, 2025, with Iago Aspas scoring the decisive goal from the penalty spot, leading to a final score of 1-0 at the Abanca Balaídos stadium. This win not only provided Celta with three important points but also positioned them comfortably around the middle of the LaLiga standings.
The match kicked off at 21:00 hours local time, and both teams were eager to gain points to strengthen their standings. Celta had recently garnered momentum after drawing against Atlético Madrid, and Osasuna arrived having tied with Real Madrid. The match was approaching high stakes as both teams vie for European competition spots.
From the onset, Osasuna applied early pressure, showcasing their tactical setup with five defenders aiming to stifle Celta's creative attacks. Under the management of Vicente Moreno, Osasuna lined up with Sergio Herrera as goalkeeper, supported by defenders Rubén Peña, Flavien-Enzo Boyomo, Alejandro Catena, and Jorge Herrando.
Celta, led by coach Claudio Giráldez, opted for a more aggressive formation with three defenders and four midfielders. The setup included Vicente Guaita between the posts, and players like Javier Rodríguez, Carl Starfelt, and Marcos Alonso bolstered the defense, with Ilaix Moriba and Oscar Mingueza maintaining midfield control.
The first half saw Celta struggle to penetrate Osasuna's defense, as they found their rhythm. Although both teams traded chances, they couldn’t convert any until the 69th minute, after Borja Iglesias was fouled by Lucas Torró inside the penalty area, resulting in the pivotal penalty.
Iago Aspas, coming off the bench, stepped up to take the penalty. With poise, he placed the ball out of the reach of Herrera, marking his eighth goal of the season. This moment revitalized the home crowd, showcasing Aspas’ significance to the Celta squad.
Post-goal, Celta exhibited tighter defensive discipline, effectively holding off Osasuna’s attempts to equalize. Despite the visitors pushing forward and creating opportunities, they struggled to convert their chances. A standout performance from Guaita helped secure the clean sheet—he made several key saves to thwart Osasuna's attacks.
Reflecting on the match, Aspas’s contributions were unmistakable; not only did he score but he also racked up numerous touches and forward passes during his time on the field, highlighting his role as the creative engine for Celta. Mingueza also played well, completing 60 passes throughout the match and providing stability within the midfield.
After the match, Celta's interrogation of their league performance became evident. With this victory, they moved up to eighth place, eager to capitalize on their current form and aiming for European competition qualifications. “We wanted to earn three points and look up the table,” commented Aspas after the game. Similarly, coach Giráldez acknowledged the team's gradual improvement, indicating the need to build on this success against upcoming mid-table rivals.
On the other hand, Osasuna maintained their position on the table but faced criticism for their performance. After competing closely at the beginning, they failed to overcome their opponents' tactical adjustments made during the second half. The visitors now sit close to the relegation gameplay, trailing only by three points from the sixth slot, which denotes European competition access.
This match represented not only three points but also the opportunity for the teams to recalibrate their strategies moving forward. Celta has succeeded twice consecutively, signaling their intent to avoid slipping down the league table. Meanwhile, Osasuna will need to regroup and strategize effectively to turn their form around as the LaLiga season progresses.
The next fixtures will see Celta traveling to face Girona, whereas Osasuna will host Valencia, where both teams will be desperate for points. Looking forward, it remains pivotal for both squads to capitalize on their chances and navigate through the increasingly competitive nature of LaLiga.