Javi Rodríguez turns the game around for Celta and says: “I still can’t believe it”

“I still can’t believe it,” Javi Rodríguez said after Celta came from behind to beat Celtic 2-1 in Glasgow in the Europa League. The Spain international scored both goals to overturn German player Mika Baur’s opener. The win gave Celta their first three points in the competition this season.

Celtic went ahead shortly after half-time. Celta responded with two goals in quick succession from Rodríguez, turning the match around and securing the visitors’ first win in the competition this season. The defender had already produced a notable display against Alavés three days earlier, scoring and providing an assist.

At Celtic Park, Celta looked composed in the opening stages before Celtic grew into the contest ahead of half-time. The Spanish side then began to lose momentum as their opponents advanced, encouraged by the crowd. Baur’s goal early in the second half strengthened Celtic’s position and put Celta under pressure. Coach Giráldez reshaped his team, which then had to withstand a final Scottish push; Celta did so without too much trouble.

Rodríguez’s performance was a particular source of satisfaction for Giráldez. The coach also praised his side’s approach while behind and credited Rodríguez and Hugo Álvarez with giving Celta’s attacking play greater confidence, helping the team spot opportunities it had previously missed. The victory gives the Spanish club a lift in Europe, while Celtic are left with another damaging defeat to consider.

The result in Glasgow capped a strong week for Rodríguez: after scoring and assisting against Alavés, he struck twice against Celtic. Alavés are 7th in the Spanish Liga, with 11 points after nine matches.