Celta Vigo - The Return of Makélélé

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Liga BBVA
Malaga 2 - 2 Celta
Sergio - Mallo (Gomez '78) Cabral Mammana Jonny (Planas '78) - Wass Fernandez (c) - Sarabia Hernandez Drazic (Radoja '56) - Aspas
Goals: Wass ('13), Cabral ('35), Torres ('47), Duda ('83)
MoM: Duda

A disappointing collapse for Celta at the start of January, especially when the team so needed a result after the two defeats at the end of December. What made it all the more crushing for Makélélé's side was throwing away a two goal lead, in a game that had looked to promising for Los Celestes. Danish midfielder Wass got his side going with a well taken goal, running onto a well crafted through ball from Pablo Sarabia to give Celta the lead after just a quarter of an hour. Gustavo Cabral added a second ten minutes before half time, his first of the season, smashing the ball home from close range after Aspas nodded the ball down for him after a free kick. The Galicians looked set to be cruising to victory, until Malaga centre back Miguel Torres rose above his marker to steer the ball into the net with his head from a corner just minutes after the start of the second half. Despite Makélélé's attempts to shore up his defence, bringing on two replacement full backs, as well as the defensively minded Radoja, there was nothing he could do to prevent Malaga captain Duda's sensational late equaliser. The veteran Brazilian received a pass from Tissone on the edge of the box and unleashed a spectacular long range strike that nestled in the back of the net. Despite their best efforts, Celta could not find that crucial third goal and the game finished with both teams sharing the spoils.

Copa del Rey 5th Round 1st Leg
Rayo 2 - 2 Celta
Blanco - Jonny Cabral (c) Mammana Planas - Radoja Madinda - Wass Señe (Hernandez '63) Drazic (Bongonda '63) - Guidetti
Goals: Guidetti (pen '14, '87), Miku ('21), Bangoura ('60)
MoM: John Guidetti

Another first leg cup performance that will be viewed by many in the Celta camp as a disappointment. Despite coming away with a draw, Celta were definitely the poorer team at Vallecas, having considerably less possession and attempts at goal than their opponents. The game started well for Celta, with John Guidetti showing good composure to score from the penalty spot after Rayo's Diego Llorente tripped Dejan Drazic in the box. However just seven minutes later, the team from Madrid responded through striker Miku, who scored a terrific volley after sprinting ahead of his marker to meet a cross from Tito and bring the scores level. Rayo then took the lead shortly after the beginning of the second half, with Guinean winger Lass Bangoura doing very well to score from an especially tight angle after gliding past Carles Planas. With only three minutes to go, Rayo's fans were confident that they would win the first leg, however Guidetti had other ideas. Planas atoned for his defensive lapse earlier in the game by making a fantastic interception on the left flank, before playing a lovely ball forward for the Swedish striker to run onto. One on one with the 'keeper, Guidetti swerved to the left and curled the ball beautifully past Toño to bring the scores level and take two important away goals back to Balaidos.

Liga BBVA
Celta 2 - 2 Atletico
Sergio - Mallo Cabral Mammana Planas - Madinda Fernandez (c) - Wass Aspas (Hernandez ('63) Sarabia - Guidetti
Goals: Griezmann ('24), Guidetti ('26, '41), Gabi (pen '33)
MoM: John Guidetti

Another 2-2 draw in the league for Celta, nonetheless this one definitely has some merit, considering the strength of the opposition. Despite their recent successes in the league, Atletico have been struggling this season, and are well out of the title race. Having sacked Diego Simeone, the man who led them to a league title and Champions League final in 2014, in November, and replaced him with Marcelo Bielsa, los Colchoneros have still struggled. They seemed to be doing well when French international Antoine Griezmann opened the scoring with a well timed header from a corner that hit the bar before going in, only for Guidetti, who has quickly established himself as Celta's first choice striker, the level the scores just two minutes later after an Augusto Fernandez header was parried by Jan Oblak. Once again, Atletico took the lead, this time through a penalty taken by Gabi after Hugo Mallo upended Oliver Torres in the box, only for Guidetti to strike again, this time scoring a wonderful diving header from Mallo's cross. No doubt the Atletico fans will be frustrated at their inability to hold onto a lead, whereas their Galician counterparts will be pleased at their teams determination and character to salvage a point.

Copa del Rey 5th Round 2nd Leg
Celta 1 - 1 Rayo
Blanco - Mammana Cabral (c) (Goldar '75) Gomez Planas - Radoja Madinda (Cheikh '90) - Wass Señe Drazic (Bongonda '61) - Aspas
Goals: Señe ('31), Guerra ('47)
MoM: Levy Madinda

Not the best of games for Los Celestes, but one which secured their place in the quarter finals of the Copa del Rey. The best part of the game was undoubtedly youth prospect Josep Señe getting on the scoreboard, his first goal for Celta. The young midfielder received a pass from Madinda, on the edge of the box, then turned and instinctively shot at goal, with the ball flying under Rayo's 'keeper Juan Carlos to give Celta the advantage. Rayo eventually managed to breach Celta's defence, having failed to even get into the final third, although more through their own failings rather than Celta's defensive prowess. Striker Javi Guerra had the ball put on a plate for him by on loan winger Pablo Hernandez. The former Swansea City player surged into the box, drawing defenders with him, before playing a simple pass to the striker who only had to pass the ball into the net. The rest of the game continued with neither side able to really threaten each other's goal, and as the final whistle blew Celta's players looked relieved to have gotten through. The next cup game will be a much sterner test, two quarter final legs against wealthy powerhouse Real Madrid.

Liga BBVA
Celta 3 - 0 Levante
Sergio - Mallo Cabral Gomez Planas (Jonny '62) - Wass Fernandez (c) - Drazic (Radoja '80) Aspas Sarabia (Bongonda '80) - Guidetti
Goals: Guidetti ('43, '57), Aspas ('83)
MoM: John Guidetti

Celta finally recorded a long overdue first win of the month against Levante, a team doing relatively well in the league. John Guidetti was once again the star of the show, scoring the game's first goal with an acrobatic volley from a cross from Planas. The former Manchester City striker followed this up with another goal some fourteen minutes later, meeting another cross, this time for Daniel Wass, again on the valley to crack off a cannon of a shot that dinked off the inside of the left post and rolled in. Guidetti looked absolutely delighted with his second goal of the game, and ran over to the Celta dugout to give Makélélé, the manager that has shown so much faith in his abilities, a high five and to wave to the fans that chanted his name. Celta's forwards weren't finished scoring however, with local hero Iago Aspas getting his tenth goal of the season after receiving a scything through ball from Wass and curling it round the Levante goalkeeper to give Celta all three points.

In Other News

Defensive minded midfielder Borja Fernandez has joined Liga Adelante team Mirandes on loan. The 20 year old was a part of Celta's squad, but has not played often, playing cup games and a handful of substitute appearances in the league. Therefore Makélélé has decided it would be best if he dropped down a division in order to get some first team football.

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The Celta youth product (right) has started two cup games and appeared as a substitute five times in the league this season.

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Two new faces for Celta Vigo

- Dutch winger Guus Hupperts signs from AZ Alkmaar.

- Valencia's Rodrigo de Paul joins on loan until the end of the season.

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Hupperts (left) has scored 5 goals and assisted one in 42 games for AZ.

Celta Vigo's first foray into the transfer market this January has seen them come away with two wingers, one of whom will not be familiar to La Liga fans. Hupperts, 23, joins Los Celestes for a fee of €6.5 million from AZ, having caught the eye of Claude Makélélé this season while playing for the Dutch outfit. Some are saying that the Frenchman has overspent on a relatively unknown player, and that this fee might put pressure on the Dutchman that will affect his game at his new club. "No, I don't think this is the case." Makélélé told Marca this afternoon. "Guus is a fine player, technically gifted with great pace and fantastic dribbling. While we have paid more I would have liked for him, sometimes in this business you have to spend a little more in order to get the players that you want." When asked about the language barrier between the new signing and his team mates, Makélélé said "I am not too worried about the language problem. Football is a language we all understand and I have no doubt that Guus will pick up the language quickly." Hupperts made a name for himself at Kerkrade based club Roda JC, scoring 13 goals in 75 appearances for the Dutch club, before attracting the attention of AZ, who he signed for in 2014. Also capped at under-21 level by the Netherlands, Hupperts played 7 times for the Voetbalbond. Now he will hope to make an impression at his new club, where he will wear the number 12 shirt.

Also joining the club is Argentine attacking midfielder Rodrigo de Paul. Having found himself transfer listed at Valencia, the former Racing Club player jumped at the chance to play for Celta, and will hope to secure himself a permanent transfer once his loan deal ends. Aged 21, de Paul can play on both wings as well as behind the striker, and will doubtless provide cover to Celta's other wingers Pablo Sarabia, Dejan Drazic, Theo Bongonda and of course fellow new signing Guus Hupperts. De Paul will wear the number 14 for Celta, the shirt vacated by Fabian Orellana who departed the club earlier in the month for Benfica. Unfortunately, due to his lack of game time with Valencia, the young Argentine is a little lacking in match sharpness, and may have to play a few games with Celta's B team before playing for the senior team.

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De Paul signed for Valencia for €4.9 million in 2014, playing 25 games and scoring once in his first season at the Mestalla.

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Copa del Rey Quarter Final 1st Leg
Real Madrid 3 - 2 Celta
Blanco - Mallo Cabral Mammana Jonny - Radoja Madinda (Hernandez '72) Fernandez (c) - Wass (Sarabia '61) Bongonda - Guidetti (Aspas '72)
Goals: Ronaldo (pen '17), Rodriguez ('20), Benzema ('56), Cheryshev OG ('84), Sarabia ('88)
MoM: Dani Carvajal

A game that Celta were expected to lose quite heavily ended up being one of the best spectacles in this year's Copa del Rey. The ten times Champions League winners started as much of the match's spectator's imagined they would, taking the lead early in the first half through a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty. Their second goal came not long after, James Rodriguez, who had been Celta's main tormentor during the league meeting between the two sides, curling the ball round Ruben Blanco after being played through by Ronaldo. After half time, Real Madrid cemented their dominance through Karim Benzema. The Frenchman scored with a bullet header following a cross from Welsh winger Gareth Bale to put the capital city side comfortably ahead. While many in the crowd were beginning to write off Los Celestes, passionate encouragement from both Claude Makélélé in the dugout and the travelling fans seemed to have an effect. With just six minutes left, a free kick on the right hand side of Real's box was taken by Iago Aspas, aimed for the head of Cabral. However, Denis Cheryshev got in the way of the Argentine defender, only for his clearing header to go straight past Keylor Navas and end up in the back of his own net. Getting a goal back seemed to put the fire back into Makélélé's men, and they continued to press, searching for another goal. With 88 minutes gone, they got their wish. A terrific long ball from captain Augusto Fernandez found Sarabia, who surged into the box. Skipping past the slide tackle of Ramos, the winger fired the ball past Navas to give Celta a crucial lifeline to take back to Vigo for the second leg.

Liga BBVA
Rayo 0 - 3 Celta
Sergio - Mallo Cabral Gomez Planas - Wass (Madinda '61) Fernandez (c) - Hupperts Aspas Sarabia - Guidetti (Hernandez '66)
Goals: Guidetti (pen '12), Aspas (pen '88), Cabral ('90+1)
MoM: Sergi Gomez

This game would be the third time Celta had faced Rayo this month, and much like the first two times, it proved to be scrappy affair, but one in which Los Celestes ultimately won. The team from Vigo got off to a good start, John Guidetti smashing the ball past Rayo 'keeper Juan Carlos from the penalty spot after right back Tito clattered into Pablo Sarabia in the box. The rest of the game passed with both sides more or less cancelling each other out, neither team being able to gain enough momentum to score. The Celta defence played outstandingly to keep out Rayo's front three, with man of the match Sergi Gomez putting in a fantastic shift to silence the opposition's main threat in Pablo Hernandez. With the game nearing its end, and both sets of players getting increasingly tired, Tito again gave away a penalty, pushing Celta midfielder Daniel Wass over in a decidedly over aggressive attempt to get the ball. Iago Aspas, now playing as a striker following Guidetti's substitution, stepped up to take the penalty, and showed good composure to place the ball into the top left corner of the net. This late goal clearly disheartened Rayo, so much so that Gustavo Cabral managed to score with the game nearing it's end, poking the ball over the line after Juan Carlos saved a header from Sergi Gomez following a corner. Not the prettiest of wins for Celta, but a hard fought three points that they will be happy to take home.

Copa del Rey Quarter Final 2nd Leg
Celta 2 - 0 Real Madrid
Sergio - Jonny Gomez Mammana Planas - Radoja Madinda Fernandez (c) (Cheikh '76) - Wass (Hupperts '90) Drazic (Bongonda '65) - Guidetti
Goals: Madinda ('10), Guidetti ('30)
MoM: Jonny

An amazing turnaround for Celta Vigo, as Makélélé's team achieved a historic win to knock ten times Champions League winners Real Madrid out and advance to the semi finals of the Spanish Cup. After scoring two late goals at the Bernabeu, Celta knew they could still achieve an upset, and roared on by 30,000 fans, Los Celestes achieved just that. Gabonese midfielder Madinda got Celta off to a great start, picking up a quick through ball from John Guidetti after some clever passing between the Swede and Dejan Drazic. Madinda found himself in plenty of space and confidently buried the ball past Navas to give his team the advantage on aggregate. Guidetti quickly turned from provider to scorer, latching onto to Jonny's nod into the box, taking a touch and smashing the ball under Keylor Navas for his 13th goal of the season. The striker ran over to the fans, who wildly celebrated their team taking the lead. Celta's defence showed fantastic tenacity to keep a clean sheet against such a free scoring team, with Makélélé choosing to forsake the 4-2-3-1 formation he has played for most of the season, instead playing defensive midfielder Nemanja Radoja in front of the defense. The Serbian under-21 international repaid his manager's faith in him by having an excellent game, keeping James Rodriguez in his pocket for the whole match, with Jonny and Sergi Gomez also playing their hearts out. All in all a fantastic performance from Celta, who will play Real's rivals Atletico Madrid in their semi final, Valencia facing holders Barcelona in the other fixture.

Liga BBVA
Las Palmas 1 - 4 Celta
Sergio - Mallo Cabral (c) Mammana Jonny - Radoja Madinda - Hupperts (de Paul '61) Hernandez Drazic (Bongonda '76) - Aspas
Goals: Cabral ('8), Viera ('21) Drazic ('25), De Paul ('76), Radoja ('88)
MoM: Pablo Hernandez

Following their fantastic cup upset, Celta finished the month with another good win away from home, thrashing bottom of the table Las Palmas. The match started as it meant to go on, with Gustavo Cabral escaping his marker at a free kick and burying Hernandez's ball past goalkeeper Javi Varas. Las Palmas struck some ten minutes later, Jonathan Viera getting his head to a corner and putting it into the net. Celta quickly retook the lead however, Serbian playmaker Dejan Drazic surging past the defence and jinking to the right, before smashing the ball into the top right of the net. The first half finished with Celta looking good value for their lead. The next goal took a little longer in coming, however Chilean midfielder Pablo Hernandez, who had a hand in both of Celta's previous goals, put another great free kick into the Las Palmas penalty box. New signing Rodrigo de Paul charged forward from deep and brilliantly volleyed at goal to mark his debut with a goal. With the game nearing it's end, Nemanja Radoja took advantage of a goal mouth scramble to score a fluke goal, a clearance from Javi Castellanos rebounding of his head and into the goal. A great scoreline and Celta will go into February feeling good about their chances to keep up their form.

League Table
Celta have finished January in 6th place, and are through the semi finals of the Copa del Rey.

1. Valencia (42pts)
2. R. Sociedad (40pts)
3. R. Madrid (40pts)
4. Barcelona (40pts)
5. R. Betis (39pts)
6. Celta (37pts)
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16. Espanyol (21pts)
17. Rayo (20pts)
18. Deportivo (17pts)
19. Las Palmas (17pts)
20. Sporting (17pts)

Player of the Month

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John Guidetti has been in great form this month, and is Celta's top scorer with 7 goals in the league and 6 in the Spanish Cup. The former Manchester City striker, who also had spells at Burnley, Stoke and Celtic, has scored some vital goals for his new team, including a fantastic hat trick against Alaves, and an important goal against Real Madrid. Sergi Gomez has also had a good month, finishing January with an average rating of 7.23.

In Other News

Both of Celta's left backs, Jonny and Carles Planas have both reached their yellow card limits in the Copa del Rey, meaning they will miss the first leg of the semi final against Atletico. It will be interesting how Makélélé will be dealing with this, however Daniel Wass has played as an emergency left back earlier this season, and may have to fulfill this role again.

Josep Señe has joined Real Zaragoza on loan for the rest of the season. Due to the good form of John Guidetti, Makélélé has been playing Iago Aspas in a deeper role behind the striker, and with Pablo Hernandez also demonstrating good form, it was unlikely that Señe would get a good amount of first time football. Therefore the 24 year old midfielder has been sent on loan to the second division side, who are currently 5th placed in the Liga Adelante.

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Copa del Rey Semi Final 1st Leg
Celta 3 - 0 Atletico
Blanco - Mallo Cabral Mammana Wass - Radoja (Hernandez '66) Madinda (Cheikh '85) Fernandez (c) - Hupperts Sarabia - Guidetti (Aspas '57)
Goals: Sarabia ('70), Hupperts ('74), Hernandez ('84)
MoM: Guus Hupperts

Celta started February with a superb humbling of Atletico Madrid. The 2012/13 Copa del Rey winners went down to a well drilled Celestes team, and their fans can be very pleased to take a fantastic lead into the next leg. The first half passed with neither team scoring, John Guidetti nearly scoring with a header from a corner that pinged off the bar on 39 minutes. With the second half underway, substitute Iago Aspas nearly gave Celta the lead with a fantastic long range shot from some 40 yards out that Jan Oblak had to acrobatically dive to save, Guus Hupperts failing to bury the rebound as well. The Galicians did finally take the lead just over ten minutes after however, Pablo Sarabia robbing Atletico defender Jesus Gamez, who defensive lapse allowed the winger to open up space inside the box and fire a shot into the net to send Balaidos into wild cheers. Guus Hupperts gave the Celta fans more reason to celebrate by scoring his team's second goal in just 5 minutes. The former AZ player escaped his marker inside the box to acrobatically volley the ball home from Aspas' cross, scoring his first goal since signing in January. Atletico went close to getting into the game afterwards, but some good defending from Celta's players, even Daniel Wass, playing in an unfamiliar role at left back, managed to keep a vital clean sheet. Los Celestes then got a well deserved third goal, Guus Hupperts playing a killer ball from Hernandez to smash into the corner of the net and give the Celta a decisive advantage in the tie. Just one game at the Vicente Calderon stands between Claude Makélélé's side and the final of the Copa del Rey!

Liga BBVA
Celta 1 - 3 Sevilla
Sergio - Jonny Gustavo Cabral (c) Gomez Planas - Radoja Hernandez - Sarabia (Drazic '50) Aspas (Fernandez '61) Bongonda - Guidetti
Goals: Guidetti ('1), Vitolo ('17, '45+1), Krychowiak ('62)
MoM: Vitolo

The next game was a disappointment for Celta, going down to Sevilla in an entertaining contest. Celta got off to a flying start, top scorer John Guidetti giving his team the lead just 29 seconds in, firing the ball under Sergio Rico and into the net. The lead didn't last long unfortunately, Vitolo first playing a great pitch wide pass to Konoplyanka, and then driving into the penalty box to smash home the Ukrainian's cross to level the scores. The Sevilla forward doubled his goal tally right before half time, collecting the ball in the box and hammering a shot past Ruben Blanco and making the score 2-1 at the interval. Half an hour into the match, and Polish international Krychowiak rising above his marker and heading the ball home, sending the away fans into raptures. Despite a good start, Claude Makélélé will be disappointed at his team's performance and inability to hold on to such an early lead.

Copa del Rey Semi Final 2nd Leg
Atletico 1 - 0 Celta
Blanco - Mallo Mammana Gomez Planas - Radoja (Wass '66) Madinda Fernandez (c) - Hupperts Bongonda (Drazic '80) - Guidetti
Goals: Vietto ('76)
MoM: Jan Oblak

A historic result for Celta that seems them qualify for the final of the cup. Celta clearly intended to defend their lead from the first match, playing Nemanja Radoja in front of the defence in order to nullify Atletico's attacking threat, doing just that for the entirety of the first half. Celta goalkeeper Ruben Blanco who has played in every cup game bar one so far, played very well, denying Vietto's driving shot from range, as well as Koke's follow up attempt. The game continued with Celta happy to soak up pressure and hit Atletico on the break. Theo Bongonda came close to scoring after one such break, latching onto a good ball from John Guidetti and sprinting towards goal. However, his effort going well wide to groans from Celta's fans. The young Belgian was again denied, this time man of the match by Jan Oblak from very close range. With both team's goalkeepers playing so well, the strikers would be wondering if the game would finish goalless. Luciano Vietto broke the deadlock, picking up a wonderful over the top pass from Gabi. The young Argentine took a touch and scored a great goal to give los Colchoneros the lead on the night. However, it was too little too late, and the game finished 1-0, 3-1 to Celta on aggregate. The away fans section exploded into cheers upon the final whistle, and the players themselves looked delighted with the game, not to mention their fantastic run all the way to the final. Los Celestes will face cup holders Barcelona in the final, who beat Valencia 2-1 on aggregate.

Liga BBVA
Barcelona 2 - 1 Celta
Sergio - Jonny Cabral ('14) Gomez Planas - Wass Fernandez (Madinda '45) - Hupperts Hernandez (Mammana '14) Drazic - Guidetti (Aspas '70)
Goals: Mammana ('40), Suarez ('26, '88)
MoM: Luis Suarez

After dumping Atletico out of the cup, Celta faced their next cup opponents in the league. No doubt fans of both sides will be viewing this game as somewhat of a precursor to the cup final, and unfortunately for Celta they recorded their third loss in all competitions in a row. Like their last game, Celta started well, taking a 1-1 draw into the first half despite Gustavo Cabral's red card in the 14th minute. Barça's Luis Suarez scored the first goal, tapping in from Neymar's cross, and on loan defender Emanuel Mammana smashing the ball home from a corner with his head for Celta. Again, Celta's defence played very well to keep out a high scoring team, despite having 30 attempts, only 6 of those were on target from Barcelona. Suarez proved to be Barcelona's savior, taking full advantage of Celta's disadvantage. The goal came after a cross from Marc Bartra met the Uruguayan's head and flew into the net. Despite the result, Celta played very well and Makélélé will be pleased with most aspects of the game.

Liga BBVA
Celta 4 - 0 Eibar
Sergio - Mallo Mammana Gomez Jonny (Planas '45) - Wass Fernandez (c) - De Paul (Hupperts '13) Aspas Sarabia - Guidetti (Radoja '80)
Goals: Aspas ('62), Gomez ('67), Guidetti ('76), Hupperts ('90+1)
MoM: Iago Aspas

A great recovery from their loss at Barcelona from Celta, as they thrashed Eibar by four goals. The first half passed with no goals, and both teams having to do a deal of defending. After half time, Celta came close, Hupperts' shot hitting the post. Club legend Iago Aspas managed to put one on the scoreboard just minutes afterwards, after Guidetti squared the ball to his team mate to smash into the empty net. Centre back Sergi Gomez then doubled Celta's advantage with a strong header that bounced off the inside of the left hand post and went in just five minutes after Aspas' goal. Celta didn't take much longer to add a third, Guidetti hammering the ball into the goal after picking up a good pass from Aspas on 75 minutes. Hupperts then sealed the game for los Celestes, meeting another fantastic pass from Aspas to score the final goal. A good win for Celta that keeps them in the European places in the league.

Liga BBVA
Getafe 1 - 2 Celta
Sergio - Mallo Cabral Gomez Planas - Wass Fernandez (c) - Hupperts (Madinda '58) Aspas (Radoja '75) Sarabia - Guidetti
Goals: Sarabia ('18. '50), Mensah ('45+1)
MoM: Pablo Sarabia

Another win for Celta in the final game of February, and one in which winger Pablo Sarabia shined for los Celestes. The former Getafe player scored the first goal of the game, after John Guidetti robbed defender Velazquez and crossed for unmarked Sarabia to volley in the net. The young forward refused to celebrate scoring against his former club however, applauding the home fans in a show of respect. Getafe managed to claw back a goal just before halftime, Bernard Mensah collecting the ball after Cabral's poor clearance and smashing the ball past Sergio Alvarez. With the second half underway, Sarabia came back to haunt his former club once more. Some good passing between Iago Aspas and Daniel Wass allowed Hugo Mallo to pick up the ball on the right flank. The right back then whipped in a great cross to the box, where Sarabia was rising to meet the ball and give Celta the lead. The game continued with Getafe desperately trying to bring the scores level again, but Celta's defenders again came to the rescue to defend a vital lead and give their team all three points.

League Table

Celta finish February 8th placed in the Liga BBVA, and are through to the final of the Copa del Rey

1. Real Madrid (52pts)
2. Real Betis (51pts)
3. Real Sociedad (49pts)
4. Valencia (48pts)
5. Barcelona (47pts)
6. Sevilla (44pts)
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8. Celta (43pts)
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16. Espanyol (24pts)
17. Sporting (22pts)
18. Getafe (21pts)
19. Las Palmas (20pts)
20. Deportivo (18pts)


Player of the Month

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In an ideal world, I'd give this award to every member of Celta's defence. They've been almost rock solid in an important month, and look set to be the deciding factor in Celta's return to the European places. However, in this spirit I am giving the award to Sergi Gomez. The former Barcelona B defender has been present for every game for Celta this month, apart from the opening cup match against Atletico. Right back Hugo Mallo has also been in very good form, as well as goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez.

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Liga BBVA
Celta 5 - 2 Villareal
Sergio - Mammana Cabral Gomez Wass - Radoja Fernandez (c) (Madinda '81) - Hupperts Aspas (Hernandez '60) Sarabia (Bongonda '60) - Guidetti
Goals: Hupperts ('26), Baptisao ('49), Adrian ('63), Hernandez ('72), Bongonda ('84, '90+1), Radoja ('90+3)
MoM: Nemanja Radoja

Celta kicked off March with a spectacular game against Villareal at a rainy Balaidos. Guus Hupperts scored first for Celta, tapping in a cross from Pablo Sarabia for his third goal of the season. Los Celestes took their one goal lead into half time, but Villareal came out after the break with intent. Brazilian forward Baptisao got one back for his team, poking in a rebound after a long range shot from Mario Gaspar was parried by Sergio Alvarez. Villareal took the lead some fifteen minutes after levelling the scores. Former Atletico Madrid player Adrian collected the ball in the left hand side of the box, turned and fired off a cracking shot from tight range that curled round Alvarez and nestled in the back of the net. Celta did not take going a goal down easy however, a cross from Daniel Wass finding the foot of Hernandez who tapped it home to equalise for los Celestes. On 83 minutes, Theo Bongonda decided to get in on the action, scoring two goals in just over five minutes. The first was a fine header from Emanuel Mammana that flew past Sergio Asenjo in the Villareal goal, and the second a powerful strike that crashed into the roof of the net. With the game nearly over, John Guidetti squared the ball for Radoja after a surging run through Villareal's midfield. The Serbian took a touch and skilfully rolled the ball under Asenjo to give Celta a definitive lead at the final whistle.

Liga BBVA
Real Madrid 2 - 0 Celta
Sergio - Mallo ('61) Cabral Gomez Wass (Mammana '45) - Radoja Madinda Fernandez (c) - Hupperts (Bongonda '80) Sarabia - Guidetti (Aspas '66)
Goals: Ronaldo (pen '62, pen '90+3)
MoM: Toni Kroos

A tough game for Celta followed their goalfest, away at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu. The first half of the game passed with neither team netting a goal, however Madrid definitely had the upper hand. Twenty minutes into the second half, right back Hugo Mallo received a second yellow card and gave away a penalty for pushing Denis Cheryshev inside the box. Ronaldo confidently placed the ball past Alvarez, and Celta knew they had a difficult ask following Mallo's red card and going a goal down. Madrid continued to press, registering a whole 25 shots in the second half to Celta's 4. With the game nearly at it's end, Madrid got another penalty following a corner, Augusto Fernandez hauling down Isco. Cristiano Ronaldo put the ball straight down the middle, sending Alvarez the wrong way to seal the game and avenge Celta's Copa del Rey triumph.

Liga BBVA
Celta 1 - 2 Real Sociedad
Sergio - Mammana Goldar Gomez Wass - Radoja Madinda Fernandez (c) (Hernandez '61) - Hupperts (De Paul '45) Sarabia - Guidetti (Aspas '45)
Goals: De la Bella ('24), Bruma ('49), Sarabia ('90+1)
MoM: Bruma

Another disappointing result for Celta in a month where the team have struggled with injuries to defensive players. Wass has been forced into playing left back alot, and for Celta's game against high flying Real Sociedad, Makélélé had no option but to call up academy prospect David Goldar to pair Sergi Gomez at centre back due to injuries and suspensions to Hugo Mallo, Gustavo Cabral, Jonny, Carles Planas and Andreu Fontas. Real Sociedad managed to take lead halfway through the first half, Alberto De la Bella rifling a shot home form just outside the box. The rest of the half passed uneventfully, and the teams went into the tunnel with the score at 0-1. On loan Galatasary winger Bruma took the lead for Sociedad not long after the restart, taking control of a header from Jonathas and hammering it past Sergio Alvarez. Despite their best efforts, Celta couldn't get back in the game until the dying moments, when Mammana put in a wicked arcing cross the looped over Sociedad's defenders, where Pablo Sarabia was waiting to coolly slot the ball home. Overall not the best games for los Celestes and they will be hoping to break this bad run against third placed Valencia at Mestalla.

Liga BBVA
Valencia 3 - 2 Celta
Sergio - Mallo Cabral (c) Gomez Jonny - Radoja (Hernandez '78) Madinda - Hupperts (Bongonda '58) Aspas Sarabia - Guidetti
Goals: Alcacer ('28), Sarabia ('35), Piatti ('69), Mustafi ('72), Radoja ('78)
MoM: Pablo Piatti

Despite playing some very good football in their last game in March, Celta went down against title chasing Valenica. Los Che striker Alcacer stuck first, leaping to meet a cross from Piatti and score with a fantastic header. Celta quickly struck back through Pablo Sarabia, the Spanish winger hammering home Aspas' cross for his twelfth goal of the season. The scores remained tied for the remainder of the first half, with the Celta supporters no doubt pleased at their team's performance. The second half started with both teams playing well, however about three quarters of the way into the game, Valencia showed their class by retaking their lead. A brilliant counter attack after a Celta corner began with Javi Fuego charging down the right flank, before crossing the ball for former Celta forward Santi Mina. The young Spaniard fired a volley at goal that Sergio Alvarez spectacularly saved, only for Piatti to tuck away the rebound. Los Che took a two goal lead just a few minutes after, German defender Shkodran Mustafi nodding the ball home after a corner. Celta managed to claw one back to give their fans a glimmer of hope of rescuing a draw, defensive midfielder Nemanja Radoja charging forward to powerfully head the ball into the back of the net from a Hugo Mallo cross. Unfortunately, los Celestes could not find that third goal and Valencia managed to hold onto all three points at their home stadium.

League Table

1. Real Madrid (64pts)
2. Valencia (60pts)
3. Real Sociedad (59pts)
4. Barcelona (57pts)
5. Real Betis (53pts)
6. Granada (49pts)
-
8. Celta (46pts)
-
16. Villareal (29pts)
17. Getafe (28pts)
18. Sporting (28pts)
19. Deportivo (25pts)
20. Las Palmas (23pts)

Player of the Month

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Serbian midfielder Nemanja Radoja has been in great form this month, appearing in every game. The under-21 international has proven invaluable to his manager, covering the team's back four in a month where Celta have struggled with defensive injuries and suspensions. Additionally, Radoja has notched up two goals this month, proving his finishing can be just as deft as his defensive efforts.

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Liga BBVA
Celta 1 - 0 Deportivo
Sergio - Mallo Cabral Gomez Jonny - Fernandez (c) Hernandez - Hupperts Aspas (De Paul '86) Sarabia (Bongonda '68) - Guidetti
Goals: Hupperts ('48)
MoM: John Guidetti

Coming into April in bad form, losing three of their last five games, Celta would be looking to end their bad run. However, los Celestes pulled together to put in a good performance in the Galician Derby. The game proved tightly contested until the second half, when Celta began to impose themselves on the game. Just three minutes into the second half, a good ball from Iago Aspas found Guidetti, who fired at goal. The striker's shot bounced off of the right post however, but former AZ winger Guus Hupperts sprinted forward to knock in the rebound and give the Celta the lead. Not long after, Depor defender Alejandro Arribas picked up his second yellow card, reducing his team to ten men. Another sending off followed for the team from La Coruña, Fernando Navarro also picking up a second yellow with the game nearing its end. While the scoreline could have been more in Celta's favour, they played well and took control of the game and came away with all three points.

Liga BBVA
Sporting 2 - 3 Celta
Sergio - Mallo Cabral (Gomez '84) Mammana Planas - Madinda Fernandez (c) (Radoja '74) - De Paul Aspas (Hernandez '53) Sarabia - Guidetti
Goals: Hernandez ('2), Guidetti ('5), Fernandez ('21), Sarabia ('58), Cabral og ('84)
MoM: Rodrigo De Paul

Another highly entertaining game from Celta, with five goals all in all. Sporting centre back Luis Hernandez opened the scoring early in the game, rising above his marker to score from a Halilovic corner. Not to be outdone, John Guidetti soon leveled the scores just three minutes later. Rodrigo De Paul turned a great ball into the box, which the Swedish international met with his boot to powerfully smash the ball into the net. Celta quickly took control of the game, netting again in the first half through Augusto Fernandez. The Celta captain took advantage of some poor defending from Sporting, thumping the ball into an empty net after Emanuel Mammana's header from a corner was saved. Celta took their lead into half time, and managed to extend it twenty minutes after the restart, Pablo Sarabia receiving a good ball on the right side of the box from Pablo Hernandez and surging towards goal. The winger then showed great composure to place the ball past Ivan Cuellar and give Celta a two goal cushion. With the game almost over, Celta's defensive concentration slipped, and a parry from goalkeeper Alvarez rebounded into the net off Gustavo Cabral's head. The Argentine centre back responded by playing well for the last five minutes off the match to hold onto the lead and take a win back to Vigo.

Liga BBVA
Celta 3 - 0 Real Betis
Sergio - Mallo (Mammana '90) Cabral Gomez Jonny - Madinda Fernandez (c) - Hupperts Aspas (Radoja '77) Sarabia - Guidetti
Goals: Madinda ('24), Guidetti (pen '26, '29)
MoM: Augusto Fernandez

Celta put aside their recent defensive lapses with a good performance to earn a clean sheet against fifth placed Real Betis. Los Celestes winger Sarabia played fantastically, setting up two goals for his side, and skipper Augusto Fernandez also put in a man of the match performance in the engine room. Gabonese midfielder Levy Madinda put Celta in front, picking up a fantastic back heeled pass from Augusto Fernandez to finish with a powerful strike. Just two minutes after, John Guidetti scored a penalty after Betis defender Jordi Figueras clattered Sarabia in the box, the Swedish international taking his goal tally for 17. And just three minutes later, Guidetti scored his second of the game with a short range volley following some good footwork from Sarabia on the left wing, to give Celta a decisive lead within just five minutes. The rest of the game was dominated by the home side, recording more possession and far more attempts at goal (20 to 6) than the visiting side. A good performance for Celta to record their third league win in a row.

Liga BBVA
Espanyol 1 - 2 Celta
Sergio - Mallo Cabral (Mammana '76) Gomez Jonny - Madinda Fernandez (c) - Hupperts De Paul (Bongonda '66) Sarabia - Guidetti (Aspas '55)
Goals: Caicedo ('8), Hupperts ('67), Madinda ('83)

A tough away game at mid table Espanyol followed Celta's strong win against Real Betis. The game started quite poorly for los Celestes, the home side taking the lead following a great counter attack. Hernan Perez's fantastic cross finding Felipe Caicedo who accurately tucked it away. Espanyol nearly doubled their lead on 20 minutes, but a fantastic diving save from Sergio Alvarez denied Perez. An effort from De Paul hit the post for Celta, but the whistle went for half time with the score still at 1-0. The second half began with Espanyol coming close, only for some excellent goalkeeping from Alvarez to deny them a goal. Celta finally clawed back an equaliser through Guus Hupperts. The Dutch winger smashed the ball home after Espanyol 'keeper Francesco Bardi deflected Bongonda's cross, scoring his fifth goal of the season. Thanks to some good defending, Celta managed to impose themselves on the game. With just seven minutes of time left, Levy Madinda received a terrific first time pass from Iago Aspas to hammer the ball home and give Celta the lead for the first time in the game. The Gabonese international's third goal of the season was enough to win the game for the Galician team, in a good away performance that will please Claude Makélélé.

Liga BBVA
Celta 1 - 1 Granada
Sergio - Mallo (Mammana '82) Cabral Gomez Jonny - Madinda Fernandez (c) - Hupperts (Wass '82) Aspas (De Paul '68) Bongonda - Guidetti
Goals: Bongonda ('35), Biraghi ('55)
MoM: Youssef El Arabi

Celta's final game of the month was a draw against Granada, a team pushing for the Europa League places. The home side began the game well, getting in good positions but failing to find the net. However, Belgian winger Theo Bongonda broke the deadlock on 34 minutes, knocking in a cross from Guidetti to give Celta the lead. Granada were unlucky not to equalise just before half time, only for Italian winger Cristiano Biraghi's shot to rebound off the bar. The Andalusians did manage to equalise after half time, Biraghi heading the ball home to bring the game level. The rest of the game passed goalless, good defending from both teams cancelling each other's attacking players, Celta goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez making a couple of very good saves to keep the game level.

League Table

Celta finish the month in 4th place following a fantastic run of four games unbeaten, and are through to the final of the Copa del Rey.

1. Real Madrid (80pts)
2. Valencia (73pts)
3. Real Sociedad (70pts)
4. Celta (62pts)
5. Barcelona (60pts)
6. Sevilla (59pts)
-
16. Rayo (35pts)
17. Getafe (34pts)
18. Deportivo (31pts)
19. Sporting (29pts)
20. Las Palmas (28pts)

Player of the Month

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Levy Madinda takes April's player of the month award after getting a good run in the first team. Aside from the Galician Derby, the Gabon international has played in every game for Celta this month, his rating never dropping below 7.0 all month (7.6 v Sporting, 8.8 v Betis, 8.9 v Espanyol, 7.2 v Granada). As well as a goal against Real Madrid in the cup earlier this year, Madinda has also added two goals this month to cement a good performance in April.

In Other News

Celta icon Iago Aspas has been attracting the interest of some of the Europe's top teams. Manchester City, Juventus, Arsenal and Napoli have all inquired as to the price of the striker. Despite only having rejoined his boyhood club in the summer, Aspas has been in great form this season, scoring twelve goals and laying on eight assists, and such elite teams may hope to lure the former Liverpool and Sevilla player away from los Celestes.

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Aspas spent two years at Premier League team Liverpool, making 14 appearances.

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Liga BBVA
Athletic 2 - 3 Celta
Sergio - Mammana Cabral Gomez Planas ('36) - Madinda Fernandez (c) - Hupperts (Mallo '36) Aspas Bongonda - Guidetti
Goals: Guidetti ('19, '48), Williams ('32), Aduriz ('58), Bongonda ('63)
MoM: John Guidetti

Celta began the last month of the season continuing from their good form of last month, claiming an important away win at San Mames in an entertaining contest. Top scorer Guidetti got the scoring underway, running onto a low cross from Iago Aspas to turn the ball home. Athletic soon hit back however, through wonderkid Iñaki Williams. The young striker was fed by Beñat, then turned and curled the ball round Celta's 'keeper to level the scores. Los Celestes' job was made even harder when left back Carles Planas received a straight red card for a horrendous two footed challenge on Ibai Gomez. Luckily for Celta, a defensive lapse from Athletic goalkeeper Iago Herrerin resulted in a second goal for Guidetti. A poor pass out the his defenders from Herrerin allowed Bongonda to run onto the loose ball and passing it to John Guidetti, who finished confidently passed the 'keeper to regain Celta's lead. Athletic striker Aduriz scored midway through the second half, again bringing the teams to equal terms with a cool volley after some good passing between Athletic's midfielders. In another moment of luck for Celta, a missed header by Laporte following a cross from Guidetti allowed Bongonda to rifle the ball in to secure the lead for Celta and win the game.

Liga BBVA
Celta 0 - 3 Malaga
Sergio - Mallo Cabral Gomez Jonny (Wass '64) - Madinda Fernandez (c) - Hupperts Aspas De Paul (Drazic '45) - Guidetti (Hernandez '90)
Goals: Charles ('7, '12, '60)
MoM: Charles

Celta followed up their winning ways in Bilbao with a very disappointing performance against southerners Malaga. The major talking point of the match was Brazilian striker Charles, who scored a hat trick against his previous club. The former Almeria striker played left Celta for Malaga in the summer, and came back to haunt his former team mates in a spectacular fashion. His first goal was a well taken close range effort after Adnane Tighadouini nodded down an Amrabat cross. The Brazilian struck again just five minutes later, again from a cross from winger Nordin Amrabat to volley past Sergio Alvarez and give his team a decisive lead early in the first half. Charles managed to complete his hat trick over his former employers well into the second half after some close efforts from Celta. A tackle from Cabral on Ignacio Camacho knocked the ball towards Malaga's strikers, and he smashed it past Alvarez to compound a miserable game for Celta and their fans.

Liga BBVA
Atletico 2 - 0 Celta
Sergio - Mallo Cabral (Mammana '65) Gomez Jonny - Madinda Fernandez (c) Sarabia Aspas Bongonda - Guidetti (Hernandez '65)
Goals: Vietto ('45+1), Juanfran ('90)
MoM: Juanfran

Unfortunately for Celta's supporters, their last game of the season ended in a comprehensive defeat. Atletico Madrid, roared on by their own fans, scored at the end of either half to end Celta's hopes of playing in the Champions League next season, however los Celestes will be playing in the Europa League. Following a first half where both teams came close to taking the lead, Argentine forward Luciano Vietto scored an accurate close range finish past Alvarez to give Bielsa's team the lead right before the half time whistle. The capital city side imposed their dominance in the second half, limiting Celta to only 9 attempts at goal for the whole match. With the game nearly over, right back Juanfran got a richly deserved goal, firing home from a killer ball from Fernando Torres to cap a man of the match performance. Not the best of games for Celta, but one that leaves them in 6th in the league, and with the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on the horizon.

League Table

Celta have finished the league in 6th, qualifying for the Europa League group stages next season alongside Sevilla. Los Celestes are also through to the final of the Copa del Rey against holders Barcelona.

1. Real Madrid (86pts)
2. Valencia (76pts)
3. Real Sociedad (73pts)
4. Barcelona (67pts)
5. Sevilla (64pts)
6. Celta (62pts)
-
16. Getafe (38pts)
17. Rayo (35pts)
18. Deportivo (35pts)
19. Sporting (29pts)
20. Las Palmas (28pts)

Player of the Month

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Celta captain Augusto Fernandez has claimed the player of the month award for last time this season. The skipper has been outstanding during the whole campaign, controlling the midfield and leading the team to a European place for the first time since 2006. Young Belgian winger Theo Bongonda has also played well in the two games he featured in this month.

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Aspas: "I want out!"

- Celta striker demands to leave club following interest from abroad.

- Aspas was one of Celta's top players this season, having rejoined from Sevilla in the summer.

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Aspas (r) scored 12 goals for los Celestes this season and made 8 assists.

Surprising transfer news coming out of the north of Spain, Celta legend Iago Aspas has handed in a transfer request. The Moaña-born striker has been the subject of various bids over the past few months, with Juventus offering €13,500,000, and fellow Serie A side Napoli and Premier League team Arsenal tabling similar offers. Makélélé refused the bids on the grounds of Aspas being an indispensable first team player. However it seems that Aspas, who was included in the preliminary Spain squad for the European Championships in France, has decided he would rather continue his career away from his boyhood club. No doubt los Celestes fans will be disappointed, as Aspas famously left the club for Liverpool in 2013, and had endeared himself to the Celta faithful by having a fantastic season under new manager Makélélé. While his time in Anfield was not the most eventful, also having a loan spell at Sevilla, many of Europe's top teams are willing to sign Aspas.

It is not known whether Makélélé will consent to letting one his best players leave the club, and will most likely ask for a hefty price. Aspas' contract contains a release clause of €17,000,000, and his manager will hope to get every penny, if not more. Speaking to our reporter, the French manager, appointed at the beginning of the season, said of Aspas' desire to leave. "It's not an ideal situation. With the club qualifying for continental competition, we were all counting on Iago's contributions. But if he wants to continue his career elsewhere, then I can only wish him good luck, and would rather he left happy than stayed here disgruntled." Aspas' desire to leave could not leave at a worse time, with Celta gearing up to face Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final in Madrid.


Celta's club icon joined Liverpool for approximately €9,000,000 in 2013, but rejoined his boyhood team in the summer.

Copa del Rey Final


Celta



v

Barcelona

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Welcome to the final of the Copa del Rey here at the Santiago Bernabeu! Two teams who have played very well this season, holders Barcelona taking on Celta Vigo, who qualified for the Europa League earlier this month. Los Celestes, under the leadership of former player turned manager Claude Makélélé, will be hoping to achieve a historic upset to cap off a wonderful season, whereas Barcelona and Celta's former manager Luis Enrique will be hoping to retain the trophy they won last season against Athletic Bilbao. Let's take a look at the squads.

Teams

Celta

Sergio

Mallo - Cabral - Gomez - Jonny

Madinda - Fernandez (c)

Hupperts '56 - Aspas - Sarabia '70

Guidetti

Subs: Blanco, Mammana, Planas, Wass, Hernandez, Drazic ('70), De Paul ('56)

Makélélé has chosen a strong team to play today. In goal, Sergio Alvarez takes the place of academy graduate Ruben Blanco, who has played in most of the cup games this season. A familiar backline of Mallo, Cabral, Gomez and Jonny will have the task of marking one of the best front lines in world football. April's player of the month Levy Madinda partners captain Augusto Fernandez in the middle of the park, while January signing Guus Hupperts and rising star Pablo Sarabia will take up wider positions for los Celestes. Claude Makélélé is lucky to have one of the strike partnerships of the season in John Guidetti and Iago Aspas in his squad, and has selected them today, despite the latter's desire to leave to club having emerged in recent weeks.

-

Barcelona

ter Stegen

Roberto '70 - Bartra - Vermaelen - Alba

Mascherano

Busquets '65 - Iniesta (c)

Turan '56 - Messi - Neymar

Subs: Bravo, Alves ('70), Rakitic ('65), Munir, Vidal ('56), Palencia, Rafinha

In Barcelona's goal, number 1 Marc Andre ter Stegen takes his place between the sticks, behind Sergi Roberto playing in an unfamiliar right back position, La Masia graduate Marc Bartra, former Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen and Spain international Jordi Alba. Defensive enforcer Javier Mascherano plays in a slightly deeper midfield role, with Sergio Busquets and captain Andres Iniesta in front of him. Up front, Barcelona are not troubled by the loss of Luis Suarez due to injury, with former Atletico Madrid player Arda Turan playing on the right of Barça's star forwards Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Match

'1: Celta kick off the game, Aspas and Guidetti getting the ball rolling and passing it back to Sergi Gomez. The Galician side look to control possession and move the ball around their players.

'11: Guus Hupperts receives the ball from Mallo on the right flank. The Dutchman looks up and crosses, John Guidetti looks to get on the end of it... but ter Stegen is there to collect the ball. A good chance gone begging for Celta.

'13: Los Cules winger Neymar picks up a great ball from Busquets. Good footwork to jink past Jonny, and he surges towards goal. Neymar unleashes a curling shot at goal... and a great save from Alvarez denies the Brazilian forward!

'17: Some good passing on right flank for Barcelona, Iniesta playing the ball centrally to Arda Turan. The Turkish international plays a fantastic ball forward, Messi gets to it and fires at goal, but again Alvarez is there to keep the game a draw! Great save from the Celta goalkeeper.

'24: A great counterattack from Celta, a fantastic pass from Aspas, nodded on by Guidetti. Hupperts has it now, plays it forward.. fires it across the penalty box, and Sarabia strikes it first time! Oh, and ter Stegen saves! The disappointment is clear on Sarabia's face.

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Marc Andre ter Stegen was in superb form for Barcelona all night, making several great saves

'34: Strong interception from Bartra on a goal kick from Alvarez, but Madinda gets to the ball first... he plays it forward for Hupperts, who crosses for Sarabia's head... off the bar! Barcelona clear and the threat is gone. Another great chance for the former Getafe player and the game remains at 0-0!

'38: Sarabia gets the ball from Gomez on the left flank, plays a long ball to the right for Madinda... and that's a great tackle from Jordi Alba to rob the midfielder. Alba now surging into Celta's half... gets to the right hand side of the penalty box, crosses... Roberto with the header! What an instinctive save from Alvarez to parry the ball and send it for a corner. The 30 year old 'keeper is certainly having a great game between the sticks for Celta.

'45: The referee blows for the end of the first half. Both teams have come very close to scoring, but great form from the goalkeepers has ensured the scoreline has stayed at 0-0. Looks like we should be in for a great second half!

-

'46: Los Cules restart the game after the break. Bartra and Vermaelen pass it between them... passing it out to the midfield.

'48: Barcelona get a good free kick on the right of Celta's box after Hugo Mallo's foul. Iniesta crosses it in... but Aspas gets in front of Turan and clears the ball well. Neymar gathers the ball and lets fly from outside the box... but over the bar it goes. Goal kick the Celta.

'55: Roberto on the ball just past the halfway line... tackled by Jonny, who gets the ball to Fernandez... pass to Sarabia, and he plays a great ball forward for Guidetti to run onto... the Swede crosses into the box from the right flank, De Paul's header is there... and it's in! Goal for Celta on 56 minutes! Their fans are going wild! What an important goal for the Valencia loanee to score, and he makes it 1-0 to Celta.

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Lionel Messi looks dejected as Celta celebrate their goal.

'61: Good defending from los Celestes... they've come away with the ball now... Augusto's clearance is picked up by goalscorer Rodrigo De Paul who's charging forwards. Mathieu is there to put in the block and rob the Argentine.

'66: Matheiu's clearance goes to Cabral... the defender plays it to Aspas. Great ball from the former Liverpool player to find Sarabia... he's 10 yards out, shoots! Aaaand that's into the side netting. Celta waste their chance to double their lead.

'70: Celta get the corner... Madinda takes it, great ball from him and Gustavo Cabral's unmarked... but his header goes wide and the score stays at 1-0.

'73: Vidal's cross cannons off Jonny, Sarabia gets to it and sprints forward... passes it to Guidetti, who plays it forward to Iago Aspas... the striker collects the ball at the edge of the box and shoots! Ohhh and a great save from ter Stegen denies him. The Barça goalkeeper has putting in a great performance tonight.

'77: Macherano gets to Mallo's cross first, heads it down to Iniesta... he passes to Messi... passes between him and Vidal, and a great ball from Vidal finds Messi one on one with Alvarez, shoots... GOAL! Messi gives Barcelona the equaliser late in the game! If the score stays the same we'll be seeing extra time here at the Bernabeu. 1-1

'80: Superb pass from Ivan Rakitic finds Turan... glides past Gomez, he cracks off a shot... off the post! And Neymar strikes the rebound... ohhh and it's gone over. Barcelona unlucky not to take the lead for the first time in the match.

'88: Vidal fires the ball down the right, Messi's there to collect it... Mallo's covering him, but that's a great backpass to find Neymar... the Brazlian sprints forward and crosses from the left... the ball finds Messi... who scores! Superb close range finish from Barça's striker, and he runs over to the chanting fans. What an incredibly important goal for him to score, so late in the game. Surely that is the winner! 2-1 to Barcelona.

'90+1: Throw in from Alves find Vidal on the right... the former Sevilla player surges towards goal and shoots... and Sergio Alvarez parries the ball away for a corner to Barcelona.

'90+2: The referee blows the final whistle. Heartbreak for Celta and their fans, as they came so close to laying their hands on the cup for the first time in their history. A vintage comeback performance from Barcelona ensures they retain the Copa del Rey, and Luis Enrique, who was Celta's manager during the 2013/14 season, will be delighted with his teams performance. Claude Makélélé came onto the pitch to shake his players' hands, and wave to fans who cheered their manager, who has had such a good first season in charge of los Celestes. Despite losing in the final, Celta have played fantastically to nearly cause an excellent upset, and their run to the final will be remembered well into the next few years by Celta's fans.

http://s1.ibtimes.com/sites/www.ibtimes.com/files/styles/v2_article_large/public/2015/05/28/2015-05-23t191409z_1475264626_gf10000105535_rtrmadp_3_soccer-spain.jpg
Barça have retained the cup they won last season, following a thrilling final