Javi Rodríguez’s brace turns Celta’s Europa League match around against Celtic

Javi Rodríguez scored twice as Celta came from behind to beat Celtic 2-1 in the Europa League and earn their first points in the competition. After scoring and providing an assist against Alavés, the defender again made his mark in the opposition box, finding the net twice against Celtic. His name evokes that of a filmmaker in contention for an Oscar; on the pitch, he gave Celta a decisive night.

The match had swung Celtic’s way after Baur’s goal, which sent the supporters into celebration as their team’s prospects in the competition appeared seriously threatened. The goal hurt Celta and strengthened Celtic’s resolve to stick to their plan. But the picture changed with the comeback and Javi Rodríguez’s two goals.

From the outset, Celta showed personality at Celtic Park, but could not create enough danger in the final metres. Febas and Burcio moved the ball through midfield, while Aspas and Hugo Álvarez appeared between the lines. Javi Rueda and Carreira stretched the play, but Celta struggled to finish its moves.

As the match wore on, Celta lost momentum and Celtic gained ground, driven on by the crowd. Baur had threatened without much bite before one of his runs led to his goal early in the second half. Febas then had a chance to equalise from a Carreira cross. At the other end, Radu denied Nygren, while Scales hit the crossbar. With the match slipping away, Giráldez made changes. Celta eventually held off the final Scottish surge.

The comeback gives Celta its first European win. The team had been unbeaten in its five most recent La Liga matches, with two wins and three draws. Javi Rodríguez also underlined his credentials after being called up by De la Fuente as one of nine players invited to the World Cup preparations.