Celta Vigo 1 - 1 FT Real Sociedad

Soler's Dramatic 89th-Minute Strike Salvages Real Sociedad in Relegation Six-Pointer

Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 67/100. When two teams battle in the relegation zone, every point becomes a lifeline—this draw could reshape both campaigns in the fight for survival.

Chaos, Red Cards, and Last-Gasp Redemption

The intensity was suffocating at Balaídos. Pablo Durán handed Celta Vigo a 20th-minute lead with Óscar Mingueza's assist, but the celebration curdled fast. At 45+1, Carl Starfelt saw red for an argument, leaving Celta with ten men in a match that demanded everything. Real Sociedad smelled blood.

The balance shifted violently when VAR cancelled Mikel Oyarzabal's 49th-minute goal, stripping hope from the visitors. But the stakes of this six-pointer—both teams hovering over the abyss—demanded an epic finale. Real Sociedad unleashed 17 shots to Celta's 4, controlling 59% possession. Then came the upset factor: substitute Carlos Soler struck in the 89th minute, assisted by Gonçalo Guedes, snatching an improbable draw. Pure theatre.

Marcos Alonso was Celta's defensive anchor with a 7.7 rating, keeping the ten-man side alive through relentless pressure. Real Sociedad's 11-corner siege couldn't break through until Soler's salvation. Both teams leave with a point that feels like victory in the survival scramble.

Survival Instincts at the stadium

Skip It Futmetrix Score: 25/100. This is a classic six-pointer where the psychological burden of the bottom three will dictate every pass and tackle on the pitch.

The Setup

The Stakes are absolute for Celta Vigo and Real Sociedad this October 19. Celta's dismal Form at the stadium—five games without a home win—has left them vulnerable in 16th place. Meanwhile, the visitors languish in 19th, struggling to find the competitive Balance required to climb the table. Both sides are in desperate need of their Stars to deliver a performance that can spark a season turnaround.

Key Battle

The outcome rests on the duel between Borja Iglesias and Álvaro Odriozola. Iglesias has been the sole bright spot for the hosts, using his physical presence to manufacture chances. Odriozola must use his recovery pace and tactical discipline to neutralize the "Panda," as allowing Celta's target man space in the box could prove fatal for the struggling visitors.

Our Prediction

A tense, low-scoring affair is on the cards. Celta will likely dominate possession, but their anxiety at home remains a significant factor. While Borja Iglesias is expected to find the net, Real Sociedad’s resilience should see them claw back an equalizer through a set-piece or counter-attack. With both Ionuț Radu and Álex Remiro in exceptional shot-stopping form, a 1-1 draw is the most probable result as both teams prioritize not losing.