The 2024/25 La Liga season continued with two Friday night clashes as Celta Vigo battled back to win at home to Alaves as Sevilla drew away at Las Palmas.
Celta Vigo 2-1 Alaves
Claudio Giraldez was rewarded for easing Celta Vigo to La Liga safety last season with the permanent job in Galicia this summer.
Ahead of a crunch opening night in Vigo, his team fell behind early on, as Kike Garcia headed the visitors in front.
Celta captain Iago Aspas was at the centre of the action all night, as VAR overruled his red card in the opening stages, before seeing a goal ruled out for offside before the break.
Three changes at half time tipped the balance for the hosts as Williot Swedberg slotted Celta level.
However, the final say belonged to Aspas late on, as he hammered home a poachers finish, to snatch all three points for Giraldez.
Iago Aspas puts Celta ahead! 🔵
The 37-year-old captain with a composed finish to give his side a late lead 👏 pic.twitter.com/9FN0c6010U
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) August 16, 2024
Las Palmas 2-2 Sevilla
The goals flew in out in the Canary Islands as Sevilla head back to the mainland with a point in the bag on the road in Gran Canaria.
An own goal at both ends saw the contest head in at 1-1 at the break and the final result reflected an even battle on the night as the temperature remained draining despite the late start.
Juanlu Sanchez smashed home a snapshot to put Sevilla in front, slightly against the run of play just before the hour mark, but the hosts struck back late on, as Sandro Ramirez came off the bench to steer home a deflected winner and ensure the hosts did not start the season empty handed.
Sevilla take the lead again! ⚪🔴
Juanlu finishes from close range to make it 2-1 against hosts Las Palmas 👊 pic.twitter.com/7tX7F5YPPY
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) August 16, 2024
As part of a staggered return to league action in the Spanish top flight, Saturday’s schedule features just two games, including Barcelona’s trip to Valencia as a 9:30pm kick off at the Estadio Mestalla.
Images via Getty Images
