Espanyol vs Celta Vigo Result
La Liga · Spain
Espanyol
Full Time
Celta Vigo
📍 RCDE Stadium, Cornella
🗓️ Saturday, 14 Feb 2026 at 13:00
Late Drama as Espanyol and Celta Vigo Share Spoils in Four-Goal Thriller
Espanyol and Celta Vigo played out a pulsating 2-2 draw at the RCDE Stadium, with both sides exchanging blows in a contest defined by late twists and attacking intent. Celta Vigo took the lead in the first half, but Espanyol responded after the break, turning the game on its head with two goals in the second period. Just as the hosts looked set for victory, Celta Vigo struck at the death to salvage a point. The visitors enjoyed more of the ball (57% possession) and registered more shots (14 to Espanyol's 9), but Espanyol's resilience and clinical finishing kept them in the contest. Ultimately, neither side could find a decisive winner, leaving both sets of fans with mixed feelings after a dramatic afternoon.
Espanyol
Espanyol showed impressive character to overturn a first-half deficit and nearly snatch all three points. Despite seeing less of the ball, they made the most of their chances, scoring twice from just three shots on target. Defensively, they were organized for much of the match, but a lapse in the dying moments denied them victory. The midfield pairing of P. Lozano and Exposito worked tirelessly to disrupt Celta's rhythm, while R. Fernandez Jaen led the line with determination. However, the inability to close out the match will frustrate coach and fans alike.
Key Players
Strengths
Weaknesses
Celta Vigo
Celta Vigo controlled large spells of the match, dictating tempo with 57% possession and creating more chances. Their 14 shots (five on target) reflected their attacking ambition, and they were rewarded with a late equalizer to avoid defeat. The three-man defense largely kept Espanyol at bay, but lapses at crucial moments proved costly. Key forwards B. Iglesias and F. Jutgla were constant threats, while the midfield quartet provided width and energy. Ultimately, Celta's persistence paid off, but they will rue missed opportunities to put the game to bed earlier.
Key Players
Strengths
Weaknesses
Key Moments
38' — Goal
B. Iglesias puts Celta Vigo ahead with a well-taken finish.
66' — Goal
R. Fernandez Jaen levels for Espanyol, swinging momentum to the hosts.
86' — Goal
P. Milla completes Espanyol's comeback with a late strike.
90' — Goal
Celta Vigo snatch a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time to make it 2-2.
72' — Yellow Card
Espanyol's O. El Hilali booked for a tactical foul.
Tactical Analysis
Espanyol set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and quick transitions through the midfield. Their double pivot shielded the back four and looked to spring attacks via the wide players and the central trio behind the striker. Celta Vigo, meanwhile, deployed a 3-4-3, using wing-backs to stretch the play and maintain numerical superiority in midfield, which allowed them to dominate possession and territory. The tactical battle saw Celta's midfield press high and recycle possession, but Espanyol's compact shape frustrated them for long spells. Substitutions in the second half injected fresh legs and altered the tempo, with both sides pushing for a winner in the closing stages. Set pieces were evenly contested, with each side earning two corners but failing to capitalize.
Turning Point
Celta Vigo's stoppage-time equalizer in the 90th minute, which denied Espanyol all three points and capped a dramatic finale.
Man of the Match
B. Iglesias
Scored the opener and was a constant threat, leading Celta's attack with energy and composure.