Celta Vigo held by Granada
Celta waste chances to muster a win at home as Valladolid collect first points of the season in the Primera Division.
Celta Vigo’s lack of finishing touch condemned them to a 1-1 draw at home against Granada in Spain’s Primera Division on Saturday, while Valladolid beat Getafe 1-0 for their first points of the season.
Former Roma coach Luis Enrique’s new team dominated at Balaidos Stadium and went ahead in the 29th minute when midfielder Rafina Alcantara – brother of Bayern Munich’s Thiago – fired in a cross that had taken a deflection to catch Granada goalkeeper Roberto Fernandez out of position.
| Results & fixtures |
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Friday 30 August Almeria 2-2 Elche Saturday 31 August Celta de Vigo 1-1 Granada Sunday 1 September Real Madrid v Athletic Bilbao |
Celta wasted a slew of chances to double their lead. Alex Lopez hit the post in the 35th before missing again from close range, while striker Charles squandered three excellent looks on goal.
Granada forward Francisco “Piti” Medina volleyed home the 62nd-minute equaliser on the run, arriving from the right side to lash Brayan Angulo’s bouncing cross into the net. The visitors did little else in the match.
Lopez curled a long strike off the post again in the 68th, as Celta had to settle for the point and an undefeated record of two draws and a win through three rounds.
“When a team creates so many scoring chances that are the fruit of good play it’s a reason to be happy,” said Enrique.
“I’m not worried about our lack of scoring touch and I congratulated my team for the match. I am more than satisfied because I continue to think that we are on the right path. To be honest, I didn’t expect my team to be playing this well at the start of the season.”
After a dull first half at Jose Zorilla Stadium, Valladolid centre back Marc Valiente scored after Omar Ramos’ corner was flicked on to the centre of the area by Carlos Pena in the 47th.
Valladolid were closer to a second goal than Getafe ever were to the leveller, with Omar shining with his playmaking.
Barcelona visit Valencia while Real Madrid host Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, when Real Sociedad welcome Atletico Madrid, Malaga play at Sevilla, and Espanyol face Real Betis.
Levante won 2-1 at Rayo Vallecano and Elche drew 2-2 with Almeria on Friday.