Celta Vigo defeated Elche 3-1 at home to secure a commanding victory, with Hugo Álvarez and Iago Aspas setting the tone early before Borja Iglesias sealed the result late on.
Celta Vigo dominated Elche in a one-sided La Liga encounter at Estadio Abanca-Balaídos on May 3. The hosts climbed to sixth place with the convincing win, while Elche remained in 14th despite a spirited second-half effort. Celta's early intensity proved decisive in this battle between mid-table sides.
Hugo Álvarez opened the scoring in the 14th minute, giving Celta an early advantage. The home side controlled possession and dictated play from the start. Elche struggled to find their rhythm in the opening stages.
Iago Aspas doubled Celta's lead in the 30th minute with a clinical finish. The Spanish midfielder struck with precision to extend the hosts' advantage. Elche's defense looked vulnerable as Celta created space with ease.
Celta's attacking threat forced Elche into defensive mistakes throughout the first half. The visitors managed only limited chances despite their later dominance in possession. Gonzalo Villar picked up a yellow card in the 28th minute for Elche.
The first half ended with Celta firmly in control at 2-0. Javier Rueda received a booking for the hosts in the 41st minute as tensions rose. Celta looked comfortable heading into the break with their two-goal cushion.
Elche emerged with renewed purpose after halftime and began to assert control over the match. The visitors created more attacking opportunities and pressed higher up the pitch. Their possession increased significantly as they searched for a way back into the contest.
Andre Silva reduced the deficit from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute. Elche's pressure finally paid dividends with a goal to make it 2-1. The penalty gave the visitors hope of a comeback with time remaining.
Borja Iglesias ended any Elche comeback hopes in the 85th minute with a clinical finish. The substitute struck immediately after coming on to seal Celta's victory at 3-1. Yago Lago received a yellow card for Celta in the 83rd minute during the hectic closing stages.
Celta created more clear-cut chances despite lower possession, with an expected goals total of 0.82 compared to Elche's 1.45. The hosts managed four shots on target from six total attempts. Elche fired 15 shots but converted only one, highlighting their wastefulness in front of goal.
Álvarez and Aspas both impressed with ratings of 7.9 and 7.7 respectively, combining for two of Celta's three goals. Ferran Jutglà contributed an assist and created chances throughout the match. Iglesias made an immediate impact off the bench to finish the game.
Celta's victory moves them to 44 points from 33 matches, maintaining sixth place in the table. Elche remains on 38 points in 14th after the loss. The result shows Celta's ability to win despite lower possession, while Elche's attacking prowess failed to translate into points.
