The League
3:15 PMMarch 22, 2026
Regular Season – 29
Abanca-Balaídos Stadium
Referee: Miguel Sesma Espinosa, Spain
Celta Vigo
Alaves
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1.82
Expected goals (xG)
1.73
Passing
436 (86%)
Accurate passes
328 (82%)
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Coach
Quique Sanchez Flores
La Liga Standings – First Division
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (Qualification)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Deportivo Alavés staged an astonishing second-half comeback, overturning a three-goal deficit to beat Celta Vigo 4-3 at Estadio Abanca-Balaídos. Toni Martinez led the charge with two crucial goals.
In a breathtaking La Liga encounter on March 22, 2026, Deportivo Alavés snatched a dramatic 4-3 victory over Celta Vigo. The visitors mounted an unforgettable recovery after trailing by three goals, demonstrating incredible resilience and tactical adjustments.
Celta Vigo entered the match in sixth place, enjoying a strong season with 41 points. Alavés, sitting precariously in 17th, faced relegation worries and desperately needed points to climb out of the bottom three.
The hosts started brightly, with Ferran Jutglà opening the scoring in the 19th minute, calmly slotting home an assist from J. Rodriguez. Alavés’s J. Pacheco received a yellow card shortly after in the 22nd minute for a rough challenge.
Celta Vigo extended their lead in the 27th minute through Hugo Álvarez, who guided the ball into the net following a clever pass from Jutglà. The home side looked comfortable and in control, much to the delight of the Balaídos crowd.
Jutglà then notched his second goal of the evening in the 37th minute, completing a swift attack assisted by Hugo Sotelo. Celta Vigo celebrated a commanding three-goal advantage, seemingly cruising towards victory.
However, Alavés found a crucial lifeline deep into first-half stoppage time. Toni Martínez fired home in the 45+3 minute, with Ángel Pérez providing the assist, offering a glimmer of hope. Celta’s J. Rodriguez also received a yellow card at the same time.
The interval saw Alavés manager make a bold statement, bringing on Pablo Ibáñez, Abderrahman Rebbach, C. Alena, and Ibrahim Diabaté. This tactical overhaul aimed to inject pace and offensive power into a struggling side, hoping to spark a comeback.
The changes paid immediate dividends. Just five minutes into the second half, in the 50th minute, Ángel Pérez found the net, reducing Celta’s lead to 3-2. Martínez turned provider for this crucial goal, signaling Alavés’s intent.
Celta Vigo tried to respond with substitutions of their own in the 54th minute, bringing on Alvaro Núñez and Óscar Mingueza. A potential fourth Celta goal by J. Rodriguez was then disallowed by VAR in the 56th minute due to a foul, a moment that proved pivotal in the match’s narrative.
The momentum had clearly shifted. Celta Vigo’s Fer López received a yellow card in the 65th minute. Alavés pressed relentlessly, and in the 74th minute, Toni Martínez scored his second, leveling the thrilling contest at 3-3, assisted by Rebbach.
The incredible comeback was complete just four minutes later. Abderrahman Rebbach, a halftime substitute, smashed in the winning goal in the 78th minute, assisted by V. Parada, sending the away bench into raptures.
Despite Celta Vigo holding 56% possession and a slightly higher expected goals (xG) of 1.82 compared to Alavés’s 1.73, Alavés’s clinical finishing made the difference. The visitors registered 6 shots on goal from 14 total attempts, converting crucial chances when it mattered most.
This stunning turnaround propels Alavés closer to safety, offering a massive boost in their fight against relegation. For Celta Vigo, it represents a crushing blow, costing them valuable points in their pursuit of European football.
