Celta Vigo beats Elche 3-1 to keep European hopes alive on Mother's Day

Key facts

• Celta Vigo defeated Elche CF 3-1 on May 3, 2026, at Abanca Balaídos.
• Hugo Álvarez scored in the 14th minute, Iago Aspas in the 30th, and Borja Iglesias in the 85th.
• André Silva converted a penalty for Elche in the 82nd minute.
• Attendance was 15,401 spectators.
• Matchday 34 of LaLiga EA Sports.
• Celta's next league fixture is against Atlético de Madrid.
• Carl Starfelt is out with a back injury until late May 2026.

Celta strikes early and doubles lead before halftime

After a rainy morning in Vigo, the skies cleared over Abanca Balaídos for a crucial LaLiga encounter. Celta Vigo, chasing a European berth, faced a well-organized Elche side that sought to control possession. But Celta waited patiently and struck decisively on their first major chance. In the 14th minute, Hugo Álvarez capitalized on a turnover in the opposition half, drove into the box, and finished with precision to make it 1-0. Far from settling for the lead, the sky-blues kept up their intensity and extended their advantage before the half-hour mark. Iago Aspas finished with quality in the 30th minute to put Celta 2-0 up at halftime.

Elche fights back but Celta seals victory late

After the break, Elche stepped forward and tried to get back into the match. Their pressure paid off in the 82nd minute when André Silva converted a penalty to narrow the gap to 2-1. However, the visitors' response barely unsettled a composed Celta side. Celta reacted with character and sealed the contest just three minutes later. A fine team move finished by Borja Iglesias in the 85th minute restored the two-goal cushion at 3-1. The match ended with Celta Vigo 3, Elche 1.

Lineups, substitutions and key absences

Celta's starting XI featured Andrei Radu in goal; Javi Rodríguez, Yoel Lago, and Álvaro Núñez in defense; Javi Rueda, Fer López, Ilaix Moriba, and Sergio Carreira in midfield; and Iago Aspas, Hugo Álvarez, and Ferran Jutglà up front. Substitutions included Manu Fernández for Rueda at halftime, Jones El-Abdellaoui for Aspas in the 63rd minute, and Williot Swedberg and Borja Iglesias for Álvarez and Jutglà in the 71st minute. Óscar Mingueza replaced Núñez in the 78th minute. Elche fielded Dituro in goal; Chetauya, Affengruber, and Bigas in defense; Tete Morente, Aguado, Febas, Villar, and Pedrosa in midfield; and Álvaro Rodríguez and André Silva in attack. Substitutes included Víctor Chust and Martim Neto in the 58th minute, Héctor Fort and Josan in the 69th, and Lucas Cepeda in the 77th. Celta was without Carl Starfelt (back injury, out until late May 2026), Matías Vecino (muscle injury, mid-May), Miguel Román (out for season), and Yago Santiago (physical discomfort, doubtful).

Discipline and match incidents

Referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea of the Basque committee showed yellow cards to Celta's Javi Rueda (41st minute) and Yoel Lago (83rd minute), and to Elche's Gonzalo Villar (28th minute). The match was played on an unusual Mother's Day, and during halftime, tribute was paid to the Juvenil A, Juvenil B, and As Celtas Sporting teams in recognition of their outstanding seasons. The fourth official announced six minutes of added time.

European race intensifies as Celta turns to Atlético Madrid

This highly valuable victory keeps Celta Vigo in the race for European football, offering a perfect gift to the mothers who pass down their passion for the sky-blue colors. With three points earned through character and clinical finishing, Claudio Giráldez's side now turn their attention to their next league fixture against Atlético de Madrid. They aim to maintain their strong form during this decisive stretch of the season.

The bottom line

• Celta Vigo's 3-1 win over Elche keeps them in contention for a European spot with four matches remaining.
• Hugo Álvarez, Iago Aspas, and Borja Iglesias scored the goals, while André Silva netted a penalty for Elche.
• The match at Abanca Balaídos drew 15,401 spectators on Mother's Day.
• Celta's next challenge is a tough away fixture against Atlético de Madrid.
• Key defender Carl Starfelt remains sidelined with a back injury until late May.