Analysis The numbers behind the result
Celtic undone by Galiano's clinical finishing despite low xG
Celta Vigo's 2-1 victory slightly flattered them on expected goals (1.27xG vs Celtic's 0.59xG), but Javier Rodríguez Galiano's quickfire brace (68', 71') proved decisive in a game where possession (56%) didn't translate into clear chances for the Spaniards. Celtic's first-half lead through Mika Baur (47') masked their lack of attacking threat, managing just 4 shots on target from 8 attempts compared to Celta's 4 from 22, with 11 blocked by a resilient home defence.
Celta's superior shot volume (22 to 8) and creation from wide areas – evidenced by Hugo Álvarez Antunez's assist and 6 corners to Celtic's 2 – eventually told. Celtic's 44% possession saw them complete just 436 passes (88% accuracy) compared to Celta's 579 (89%), but Galiano's two-goal burst in three minutes (both from inside the box) swung the game after tactical substitutions. The key stat: Celta's midfield dominance saw them attempt 14 shots from outside the box, testing Celtic's defensive structure.