Sant Andreu vs Celta Vigo Match Recap - Dec 4, 2025

Celta Vigo Survives Sant Andreu's Grit in a Penalty Shootout Thriller

Celta Vigo's narrow escape against Sant Andreu in the Copa del Rey Round of 64 underscores their ongoing struggles, despite a recent uptick in attacking metrics. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Celta edging the penalty shootout 7-6. This result highlights the resilience of Sant Andreu, who, despite their lower league status, pushed a La Liga side to the brink.

Celta Vigo's recent form has been a rollercoaster, with only one win in their last five matches prior to this encounter. Their performance against Espanyol just days before this match was particularly concerning; they dominated possession (60%) and total shots (11) but failed to convert any chances, resulting in a 0-1 defeat. This trend of failing to capitalize on opportunities continued against Sant Andreu, where they again found themselves unable to break through consistently.

Iago Aspas, who had been pivotal for Celta earlier in the season, has struggled to find the net recently, with his last goal coming on November 22 against Alaves. His absence from the scoresheet was felt deeply in this match as well, as he missed a crucial penalty during the shootout. The pressure on Aspas is mounting; he needs to rediscover his scoring touch if Celta hopes to turn their season around.

Sant Andreu's recent performances have been marked by inconsistency, with only one win in their last five matches leading up to this clash. Their defensive frailties were evident, having conceded multiple goals in several fixtures. However, they showed remarkable grit against Celta, with Sergi García emerging as a key figure. His goal in the 104th minute gave Sant Andreu a brief lead and showcased his ability to step up when it mattered most.

The match statistics reveal that Celta Vigo had the upper hand in several categories, including total shots (6 to 3) and ball possession (51% to 49%). Yet, these numbers mask a deeper issue: Celta's inability to convert possession into meaningful chances. Despite leading in accurate passes (182 to 166) and pass accuracy (88% to 80%), they struggled to penetrate Sant Andreu's defense effectively.

Sant Andreu's defensive strategy proved effective, as they managed to frustrate Celta's attackers throughout the match. The home side's goalkeeper, Raúl García-Alejo, made three crucial saves, keeping his team in contention and showcasing his importance in high-pressure situations. His performance was a bright spot for Sant Andreu, reflecting their determination to compete against higher-tier opposition.

The penalty shootout itself was a microcosm of the match's tension. Both teams exchanged blows, with Celta ultimately prevailing due to their composure under pressure. The shootout highlighted the psychological aspect of knockout football; while Sant Andreu fought valiantly, Celta's experience shone through when it mattered most.

Celta's coach, Claudio Giráldez González, will need to address the team's attacking inefficiencies moving forward. The reliance on Aspas and Pablo Durán must be balanced with contributions from other players if they are to regain momentum in La Liga. The upcoming fixtures will be critical for Celta as they seek to build on this narrow victory and find consistency.

For Sant Andreu, this match serves as a testament to their potential. Despite being outmatched on paper, they demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline that could bode well for their Segunda División RFEF campaign. If they can maintain this level of performance, they may yet turn their season around.

The emotional weight of this match extends beyond mere statistics; it encapsulates the struggles and aspirations of both teams. For Celta Vigo, it is a reminder that quality alone does not guarantee success; they must find a way to translate their dominance into results. For Sant Andreu, it is an affirmation of their capabilities and a stepping stone towards greater achievements.

In summary, Celta Vigo's victory over Sant Andreu may have been hard-fought, but it raises more questions than answers about their current form and future prospects. Meanwhile, Sant Andreu can take pride in their performance, knowing they pushed a top-flight team to the limit. The Copa del Rey continues to deliver drama and intrigue as both teams navigate their respective paths forward.