The League
3:15 p.mMarch 22, 2026
Regular season – 29
Abanca-Balaídos Stadium
Referee: Miguel Sesma Espinosa, Spain
Celta Vigo
Alaves
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.82
Expected Goals (xG)
1.73
Passing by
436 (86%)
Accurate passes
328 (82%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
trainer
Quique Sanchez Flores
The League Standings – First Division
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Deportivo Alavés staged a stunning second-half comeback, overcoming 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 stunning La Liga match on March 22, 2026, Deportivo Alavés pulled off a spectacular 4-3 win at Celta de Vigo. The visitors mounted an unforgettable comeback from three goals down, showing 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 position, were facing relegation worries and desperately needed points to climb out of the bottom three.
The locals started strongly, with Ferran Jutglà opening the scoring in the 19th minute, calmly scoring an assist from J. Rodríguez. Alavés’ J. Pacheco received a yellow card shortly after in the 22nd minute for a very hard tackle.
Celta de Vigo extended their lead in the 27th minute with Hugo Álvarez guiding the ball into the net after a clever pass from Jutglà. The home team was comfortable and in control, to the delight of the Balaídos crowd.
Jutglà then scored their second goal of the afternoon in the 37th minute, completing a quick attack assisted by Hugo Sotelo. Celta de Vigo have celebrated a huge three-goal lead, seemingly cruising to victory.
However, Alavés found a crucial lifeline in stoppage time in the first half. Toni Martínez fired in the 45+3 minute, assisted by Ángel Pérez, offering a bit of hope. Celta’s J. Rodríguez also received a yellow card at the same time.
At half-time, the Alavés coach made a bold statement, with Pablo Ibáñez, Abderrahman Rebbach, C. Alena and Ibrahim Diabaté. This tactical overhaul was intended to inject pace and attacking power into a struggling side, in the hope of sparking a comeback.
The changes paid immediate dividends. Just five minutes into the second half, in the 50th minute, Ángel Pérez found the net and reduced Celta’s lead to 3-2. Martínez has become the provider of this crucial goal, which indicates the intention of Alavés.
Celta Vigo tried to respond with their own substitutions in the 54th minute, entering Alvaro Núñez and Óscar Mingueza. A possible fourth Celta goal by J. Rodríguez was canceled by VAR in the 56th minute due to a foul, a moment that was pivotal in the narrative of the match.
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 exciting duel at 3-3, assisted by Rebbach.
The incredible comeback was completed just four minutes later. Abderrahman Rebbach, substitute at half-time, scored the winning goal in the 78th minute, assisted by V. Parada, who left the visiting bench in awe.
Although Celta Vigo had 56% possession and a slightly higher expected goals (xG) of 1.82 compared to Alavés’ 1.73, Alavés’ clinical finishing made the difference. The visitors registered 6 shots on target from a total of 14 attempts, converting crucial chances when it mattered most.
This impressive turnaround moves Alavés closer to safety, offering a huge boost in their fight against relegation. For Celta de Vigo, it represents a crushing blow, costing them valuable points in their quest for European football.
