THE WORLD | Efe Madrid | Vigo

Madrid | Vigo

Updated Sunday, January 28, 2024-16:24

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Girona regained the lead in LaLiga after defeating a depressing and idealess Celta, fired by the Balaídos fans with shouts against

Rafa Benítez

. Even without his best football,

Míchel

's team resolved the game in Vigo with a goal from

Portu

in the 20th minute and several decisive saves from

Paulo Gazzaniga

before the break.

[Narrative and statistics (0-1)]

After their respective eliminations in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, Celta and Girona's ability to react had to be examined. While the celestials once again showed too many doubts in defense, the visitors shook their nerves thanks to two shots by

Artem Dovbyk , which forced

Vicente Guaita

to show off

.

Michel's team plays happily, supported by its privileged position in the table. He feels comfortable chewing up his attacks, but also when he has to look for quick transitions. Girona's offensive wealth found a response in Celta, who did not blame Portu's goal after a collaborative play by his team.

Lack of aim

For the first time since his arrival in Vigo, Benítez brought together his three forwards (

Iago Aspas

,

Jorgen Strand Larsen

and

Anastasios Douvikas

). The Madrid coach gave up his board, and his players were grateful. Only his lack of success against a very inspired Gazzaniga explained why Girona was sent to rest.

Celta attacked a lot and enjoyed numerous chances. The first of them even before the visiting goal, but the Argentine goalkeeper showed his reflexes after

Óscar Mingueza

's powerful shot , which ended a good play by the other side,

Manu Sánchez

.

Far from bowing their heads, Celta lost their temper after 0-1. Between Gazzaniga and the crossbar they avoided a tie after a header from Larsen. A minute later, the Argentine goalkeeper appeared again in one-on-one with Douvikas, who had the clearest advantage in the 38th minute, after a monumental mistake by

Arnau Martínez

, but it ended very poorly.

"Benítez, go now"

The second part was another history. Celta went out in attack and Benítez moved the bench to refresh a team that had been left without football. This decision would exasperate Balaídos, who reacted with shouts of "Benítez, go now" when he gave way to

Jailson

and

Mihailo Ristic

.

The minutes passed and the duel remained balanced, with Girona too comfortable due to its rival's lack of football in the creation zone. Celta had become a shadow of the one that had at times subdued Michel's team, which also refreshed its eleven with the entry of

Iván Martín

. In the final stretch, Celta turned their attention, although without ideas to worry a Girona team that could keep pace with Real Madrid.