Match Report: Valencia CF start 2026 with defeat in vigo

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Valencia CF were handed a 4-1 defeat away to RC Celta Vigo on LaLiga EA SPORTS Matchday 18, with Pepelu scoring the team's only goal.

Just three minutes into the game, Valencia CF threatened with two consecutive set-piece opportunities, both headed off-target by Mouctar Diakhaby.

The team dominated possession and, moments later, André Almeida won a penalty when he was brought down by Aidoo. However, Pepelu's spot kick struck the right post.

Two minutes later, Julen Agirrezabala had to make a save from a Mingueza shot from outside the box. From the resulting corner, Aidoo nearly put Celta Vigo ahead with a header that grazed the post.

Valencia CF responded with a dangerous counterattack by Jesús Vázquez, which Hugo Duro almost converted. Carlos Corberán's team then regained control and began to dominate possession.

However, in the 30th minute, Borja Iglesias won a penalty for the home side after contact from Foulquier in the area. The striker himself converted to put Celta Vigo ahead.

SECOND HALF

Four minutes into the second half, Valencia CF had their first chance with a move involving Lucas Beltrán and Javi Guerra, but Radu saved the shot from the latter.

Luís Rioja and Largie Ramazani then entered the field of play.

In the 58th minute, Celta Vigo scored their second goal, after a well-worked move finished off by Borja Iglesias.

César Tárrega and Arnaut Danjuma came on as substitutes shortly thereafter, in further changes for Valencia CF.

In the 70th minute, Pepelu pulled a goal back a great strike from outside the box, making it 2-1.

For the following minutes, Valencia CF created numerous chances, and brought on Diego López in search of an equaliser.

Unfortunately, the hosts scored their third goal after a counter-attack, finished by El-Abdellaoui. After the setback, Tárrega made a crucial block to deny Celta Vigo a fourth.

Hugo Álvarez made it 4-1 in the 94th minute, and Agirrezabala was taken off through injury. With all the available substitution windows used up, Pepelu had to go between the sticks for the final moments.

Next up for Valencia CF is a home game against Elche CF at Mestalla on Saturday, January 10th, at 9pm.

MATCH STATS

4. RC CELTA: Radu, Javi Rodríguez (Manu Fernández, 81), Aidoo, Marcos Alonso, Carreira, Ilaix, M. Román, Mingueza, Swedberg (Durán, 28’ – Iago Aspas,81’), Borja Iglesias © (El-Abdellaoui, 67’) y Bryan (H. Álvarez, 67’).

1. VALENCIA CF: Agirrezabala, Foulquier (Tárrega, 66’),Diakhaby, Copete (Diego López, 81’), J. Vázquez, Thierry R. (Ramazani, 57’),Pepelu ©, Javi Guerra (Danjuma, 66’), A. Almeida, Beltrán (Rioja, 57’) y HugoDuro.

GOALS: BorjaIglesias, 33’ (1-0); Borja Iglesias, 58’ (2-0); Pepelu, 70’ (2-1);El-Abdellaoui (3-1); H. Álvarez, 94’ (4-1)

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