Alaves vs Celta Vigo Match Recap - Nov 22, 2025

Celta Vigo's Resilience Shines as Alaves Stumbles Again in La Liga Clash

Celta Vigo's narrow 1-0 victory over Alaves at Estadio Mendizorrotza underscores their growing resilience amid a turbulent season. This match marked a crucial turning point for Celta, who have struggled to find consistency, now securing their second win in three matches. The penalty converted by Iago Aspas not only clinched the points but also highlighted his pivotal role as a leader in the squad, especially after a disappointing loss to Barcelona just days prior.

Alaves' recent form has been a rollercoaster, with this defeat extending their winless streak to two matches. Despite dominating possession with 52% and outpacing Celta in total passes (501 to 492), they failed to translate that control into meaningful chances. Their inability to convert possession into goals has been a recurring theme, as evidenced by their average of just 1.06 expected goals (xG) over the last five matches. This match only compounded their frustrations, as they managed a mere 0.66 xG against Celta.

The contrast between Alaves' recent performances and today's outcome is stark. They had shown promise with a solid victory against Espanyol, where they outshot their opponents and maintained high pass accuracy. Yet, against Celta, they fell back into old habits, struggling to create clear-cut opportunities despite leading in shots (5 to 3). The lack of clinical finishing was evident; Alaves has averaged around 47% shot accuracy in recent games, a statistic that continues to haunt them.

Celta Vigo's defensive structure, often criticized for its fragility, held firm today. They absorbed pressure effectively and capitalized on the one clear opportunity presented to them. The fact that they conceded only two shots on target from Alaves speaks volumes about their improved defensive organization under coach Claudio Giráldez González. This performance could signal a shift in momentum for Celta, who have often been on the back foot against stronger teams.

Aspas's penalty was not just a moment of individual brilliance; it was emblematic of Celta's tactical approach. They have increasingly relied on quick transitions and exploiting set-pieces, which proved effective today. The penalty itself came from a moment of defensive indecision from Alaves, showcasing their ongoing struggles with concentration under pressure.

Alaves' midfield, led by Carles Aleñá and Denis Suárez, struggled to impose themselves against Celta's pressing game. Despite having more possession, they were unable to create significant threats, reflecting a disconnect between midfield control and attacking execution. This match further emphasizes the need for Alaves to find a more cohesive attacking strategy if they hope to climb the table.

Celta's recent resurgence can be attributed to the contributions of players like Bryan Zaragoza, who has emerged as a key figure in their attacking setup. His ability to stretch defenses and create space has been vital in recent matches, including today's encounter. The combination of Zaragoza's pace and Aspas's experience provides Celta with a dynamic attacking threat that can exploit defensive lapses.

Looking ahead, both teams face critical fixtures that could shape their seasons. Alaves will need to regroup quickly before facing Barcelona, a daunting task that could further test their resolve. Meanwhile, Celta will look to build on this momentum against Espanyol, aiming to solidify their position in the mid-table and avoid slipping back into the relegation battle.

This match serves as a reminder of the fine margins in football; while Celta Vigo capitalized on their opportunity, Alaves' failure to convert possession into goals continues to be their Achilles' heel. The narrative of resilience versus frustration will undoubtedly play out in the coming weeks as both teams navigate the challenges of La Liga.