Celta Vigo 1 - 1 FT Girona

Iglesias Denies Girona in Dramatic Fashion: A Goalkeeper's Masterclass Ends in Late Heartbreak

Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 54/100. Just when Girona appeared destined to claim three points against a struggling Celta Vigo, substitute Borja Iglesias conjured a 90th-minute penalty to deliver a gut-wrenching draw that leaves both sides clawing for traction.

Early Thunder from Vanat

Vladyslav Vanat wasted no time announcing Girona's intent. Assisted by Iván Martín, the forward struck in the 12th minute to hand the visitors an early lead. The Intensity was immediate—a side desperate for momentum after three consecutive defeats needed this breakthrough more than oxygen.

Two Walls Stand Firm

What followed was a masterclass in goalkeeper Intensity. Ionu Radu and Paulo Gazzaniga combined for 13 saves across 90 minutes of relentless pressure. With 34 total shots attempted and 15 landing on target, Balaídos became a shooting gallery where precision mattered less than reflexes. Radu's seven interventions proved decisive in keeping Celta within striking distance despite Girona's early dominance.

The Super Sub Shifts the Balance

Iglesias altered the match's trajectory from the moment he entered in the 59th minute. His movement in the box created chaos, forcing Girona into a defensive shell. The substitute's presence alone changed the tactical Balance—no longer were Celta purely absorbing pressure but generating genuine threats.

Redemption at the Death

When the penalty arrived in the 90th minute, Iglesias didn't flinch. His conversion salvaged a point for Celta (0-3-1 record) while leaving Girona (0-1-3) staring at another missed opportunity. For the hosts, it's a reprieve from free fall. For the visitors, it's a reminder that the Upset Factor cuts both ways—sometimes the underdog's escape becomes the favorite's collapse.

Survival Stakes at the stadium

Skip It Futmetrix Score: 15/100. Celta Vigo look to pull clear of the danger zone while Girona face a daunting task to arrest their slide into the bottom three.

The Setup

Heading into this September 14 clash, Celta Vigo boast a superior Form profile, having secured three victories in their last five league outings. This momentum has pushed them to 12th, but the Stakes remain high as they host a struggling Girona side. The visitors are currently 18th, hampered by a lack of defensive Balance that has seen them concede 26 goals already this season. Played at the stadium, this fixture represents a classic "six-pointer" where the winner gains significant breathing room in the survival race.

Key Battle

The tactical focal point features Óscar Mingueza defending against the creativity of Viktor Tsygankov. Mingueza has been a pillar of consistency for the home side, providing the defensive stability needed to allow their forward line to flourish. On the other side, Tsygankov remains one of the few Stars in the Girona lineup capable of producing a moment of magic. His ability to find pockets of space between the lines will be Girona's best hope of unsettling a confident Celta backline.

Our Prediction

Expect a cagey affair dominated by midfield duels. Girona will likely adopt a pragmatic approach to stop the bleed, but Celta's home advantage and recent winning habit should prevail. We predict a 2-1 victory for Celta Vigo, with the decisive goal coming late in the second half as Girona’s defensive structure tires under pressure.