Depor stun Celta in five goal Galician thriller: Liga Adelante Round-Up and Highlights

By Staff Writer
Updated: 16 April, 2012

AFP IMAGES

All eyes were on Vigo’s Estadio Balaídos this weekend as third-placed Celta hosted leaders Deportivo la Coruña in the city’s first derbi gallego for five years.

A packed crowd were treated to a five-goal thriller, although it was the visitors who left with the bragging rights after a dramatic stoppage time winner sunk the home side.

Deportivo took the lead after just two minutes when Riki capitalised on some poor defending from Celta, who were under pressure to win the game after seeing Valladolid leapfrog them into second after their 3-0 victory over Huesca on Saturday. The home side dominated possession but were unable to find a way through a solid Depor back line and the visitors doubled their lead just past the hour mark with a strike from Lassad.

Paco Herrera’s men continued to push forward in search of a lifeline, and were rewarded five minutes later when Quique de Lucas reduced his side’s deficit. With eight minutes remaining, Celta finally drew level as substitute David Catala struck moments after coming onto the field, sending the home crowd delirious. Just as it looked as if the match was heading for stalemate however, up popped Borja Fernandez to grab a stunning winner for Jose Luis Oltra’s men.

The weekends big movers were Real Valladolid who cruised past Huesca 3-0 at the Jose Zorilla to jump into second place, above Celta. Oscar Gonzalez gave the hosts the lead after just five minutes before Alberto Bueno doubled their advantage on the stroke of half time. Less than ten minutes into the restart, Bueno bagged his second of the game to send Valladolid to their fourth consecutive league triumph.

Hércules thumped six past Real Murcia at the Nuevo Condomina, despite the home side taking the lead through Oscar Sanchez 15 minutes into the game. Urko Vera levelled less than 60 seconds later and the visitors went in front when Adrian Sardinero fired in just before the half-hour mark. Murcia were given a lifeline when Arbilla netted minutes into the restart but the hosts were then blown away by three goals in the last 15 minutes, including a penalty from Michel.

Alcorcón continued their recent good form to beat Nastic 2-0 in Tarragona. A 24th minute strike for Quini broke the deadlock before Riera secured the victory for the visitors, who have now won nine of the last 12 games and sit fifth in the table. Their Catalan hosts looked doomed however, and remain a massive 11 points from safety.

Elsewhere, Guadalajara secured a vital win at Alcoyano in the days relegation six pointer. Cristian’s 52nd minute goal proved the difference between the two teams and lifted the visitors six points ahead of their hosts who face an uphill battle to climb out of the relegation places. Bottom side Cartagena fell to another defeat after going down 2-1 at Elche, while Girona secured a point at home to Barcelona B thanks to a late strike from Javier Acuña.

In the weekend’s other games; Numancia drew 2-2 with Xerez, Almeria were held to a goalless draw by Villarreal B, Sabadell drew at Córdoba and Recreativo also took a point from their trip to Las Palmas.

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CELTA 2-3 DEPORTIVO

ALMERÍA 0-0 VILLARREAL B

ALCOYANO 0-1 GUADALAJARA

GIRONA 1-1 BARCELONA B