Celta Vigo secured their place in the next round of the Copa del Rey with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Racing Santander at El Sardinero on January 5, 2025. The match featured intense moments, including two goals from standout player Alfon, who previously played for Racing. His decisive second goal, scored during injury time, clinched the comeback for the Galicians.
From the onset, Racing Santander demonstrated determination, taking the lead just eight minutes in with Andrés Martín's goal, who capitalized on Michelín's excellent through ball. Yet, Celta Vigo responded quickly, leveling the score just 12 minutes later through Alfon, thanks to a well-placed cross from Óscar Mingueza.
The home side then faced another blow when their captain Álvaro Mantilla received a red card for fouling Alfon; a decision made by referee González Fuertes, which left Racing with ten men for over half the match.
Despite being down to ten, Racing surprised Celta by regaining the lead through Javi Rodríguez's own goal at the 70-minute mark. This misstep came after several competitive exchanges, where Celta struggled to find their rhythm.
After falling behind again, Celta intensified their efforts, and it was Javi Castro who inadvertently scored the equalizer during a corner kick, bringing the score to 2-2. The equalizer appeared to uplift the visiting side's spirits.
Then, in the dying minutes of regular time, Alfon struck again, netting his second after receiving assistance from Ilaix Moriba. This late goal sealed the comeback, allowing Celta to escape with the victory and continue their cup campaign.
The match had attendance of 20,312 fans, who witnessed the resilience of the Celta team as they managed to overcome adversity yet again, showing their tenacity and fighting spirit throughout the tie.
Reflecting on the event, Celta’s coach Claudio Giráldez praised his team's ability to adapt and persist under pressure. Alfon's performance was particularly noted, as he demonstrated both skill and composure. His two goals made him the hero of the match and showcased his development as a key player for the team moving forward.
With this result, Celta Vigo continues their path in the Copa del Rey, eyeing potential glory as they advance to the next stage of the competition, ready to take on future challengers. The coming fixtures will pose new tests, but the confidence from this match could bolster their campaign significantly.