Week 22 in La Liga opened in Andalusia on Friday evening as Granada welcomed Celta Vigo.
The visitors took the lead after 28 minutes through Gustavo Cabral, but Youssef El-Arabi left the scores level at the interval.
Both sides had opportunities in the second period, but it was Celta that won it late on with a strike from Augusto Fernandez.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week 22 in La Liga opens from Andalusia as Granada welcome Celta Vigo. Granada fared better than their opponents this evening earlier in the campaign, but Celta enter the match in the better run of form. Indeed, three points for the visitors would move them above Granada and possibly into 10th, depending on the score.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won two of the last five matches, with the further fixture ending in a share of the spoils. That draw arrived earlier in the season when the pair met at Vigo. However, the last time the two sides met in this stadium was in September 2012, when Granada won 2-1.
TEAMS:
GRANADA: Roberto; Nyom, Mainz, Murillo, Angulo; Rico, Iturra, Recio; Piti, Brahimi; El Arabi
CELTA: Yoel; Mallo, Cabral, Fontas, Jonny; Oubina, Augusto; Rafinha, Orellana, Charles, Nolito
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Granada XI this evening with Youssef El-Arabi leading the line with support from Piti. There are also starts for Fran Rico and Manuel Iturra in midfield. Celta, meanwhile, once more select an attacking lineup with Fabian Orellana, who scored twice last time out against Betis, selected alongside Rafinha, Charles and Nolito.
It has been a mixed bag for Granada this season with some impressive performances coupled with some poor ones. As it stands, they sit in 11th position in the table having won seven, drawn three and lost 11 of their 21 matches this season. However, due to the closeness from eighth to 17th, three points this evening would see them move into the top eight.
That said, Granada’s home form this season has been disappointing. In fact, only Rayo Vallecano (eight) have lost more times on their own patch than Granada. They have won just three times in this stadium in the league, but have won four times on the road, which is a significantly stronger record than the teams around them.
Finding the back of the net has been a problem for Granada this season, with just 19 goals in their 21 matches making them one of the lowest scorers in the league. That is in contrast to Celta, who have notched 27 times. Down the other end, however, Granada have conceded just 27 times, while Celta have conceded 34.
Celta enter the match off the back of a 4-2 win over Real Betis in the league. They were in the relegation zone before Christmas, but have taken seven points from their last five games to move into 13th position in the table. They are one of three teams – the others being Osasuna and Almeria – to boast 22 points after 21 matches.
In total, Celta have won six times in the league this season, with three coming on their own patch and three arriving on the road. Goals have not been a problem on their travels, meanwhile, with 14 in their 10 games away from Vigo. That is just four less than title challengers Atletico Madrid.
PREDICTION: Celta enter this match in the better run of form, but Granada certainly have the players to cause the visitors problems. I am leaning towards a draw, but if I had to pick a winner I would back Celta to continue their rise up the table. My score prediction is 2-1 Celta.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Let's hope for an entertaining fixture in Andalusia. The away side get the first 45 minutes of action underway.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere. The first half-chance comes to the home side as Brahimi collects possession on the left before drilling a low cross into the box, but Yoel is on hand to collect at the vital moment.
You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in this type of match. It has been an untidy four minutes in terms of passing with both sides guilty of losing the ball. Charles tries his luck from distance for Celta, but it moves wide of the post.
Recio remains the main source for the home side as the Spaniard attempts to slide a low pass towards El-Arabi, but Yoel is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Neither side is too interested in sitting back and defending at the moment as both continue to commit players in the final third. I have a feeling that we will have goals this evening.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with a series of late challenges from both sides. Celta remain a threat on the counter, but are finding it difficult to force the issue in the final third. No real chances with nine minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for the home side as Piti delivers a deep cross towards El-Arabi, but the forward cannot rise at the vital moment. Celta restart with a throw and eventually work the ball into an advanced area with Nolito, but the Spaniard cannot find his strike partner Charles.
Good possession for Celta in the last couple of moments, but they are playing in areas that will not worry the home side. Nolito attempts to force it with a low cross into the box, but Iturra is across to clear at the vital moment. Still goalless after 13 minutes of La Liga football.
The first booking of the match is handed to Cabral as the Celta defender has his name taken for a poor challenge on El-Arabi just outside the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Piti, but his effort is deflected wide of the post. The following corner, however, is cleared by Fontas. The intensity has started to rise in the last few minutes.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Granada to take the lead as Mainz meets a corner from Brahimi, but somehow the Spaniard heads wide. It was a horror show from Yoel, who came and got nowhere near the cross. One-way traffic in the last few moments with Celta under pressure.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side as Brahimi collects a loose pass from Cabral before driving into the box, but his low effort is pushed wide of the post by Yoel. The resulting corner is met by Rico, but Celta survive once more. The away side just cannot keep possession with 20 minutes on the clock.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges. Oubina becomes the second Celta name to enter the referee's book following a high challenge on Recio, but the resulting free kick comes to nothing. Good tempo to the match, but it remains goalless in Andalusia.
Another half-chance for the home side as Brahimi combines with Piti before sliding a low ball into the box, but Yoel is once more on hand to clear the danger. Not too much from Celta in terms of attacking pressure, but they certainly carry a threat on the counter. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining. Can Granada make their pressure pay?
Good pressure from Celta in the last couple of moments as the away side force two corners in quick succession. However, Mainz and Nyom take it in turns to clear the danger. Moments later, Celta have a free kick on the edge of the box as Nyom kicks out at Nolito, with the former gaining a yellow card for his troubles.
The resulting free kick is taken by Orellana, but his effort is straight into the wall. Celta continue to force the issue with a deep cross from Rafinha, but Iturra is across to clear. Suddenly Celta have woken up after 29 minutes. It would be against the run of play if they took the lead.
GOAL! Granada 0-1 Celta (Cabral)
Celta do indeed take the lead as Cabral arrives unmarked at the far post to head a Nolito cross into the back of the net. The visitors strike first.
Well, that goal has changed the atmosphere inside the stadium. It has been the story of Granada's season. They have played some nice stuff in the final third, but have been unable to put the ball in the back of the net. Suddenly Celta are full of confidence as they pop the ball around in midfield. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
Another half-chance for the away side as Fernandez drives into the box before feeding Rafinha, but Mainz is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. You just get the feeling that Celta will need to score again if they are to take all three points. Granada remain a danger in the final third with Brahimi leading the charge.
CHANCE! The opportunities continue to arrive for Granada as EL-Arabi is picked out by Piti inside the box, but the forward can only drill his effort wide of the post. Celta break down the other end with Rafinha, but his cross is into the arms of Roberto.
CHANCE! The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last minute or two as late challenges continue to arrive in the middle of the park. Granada have the chance to deliver a free kick into the Celta box through Piti, but Rico heads straight at Yoel from close range. Either side of the goalkeeper and that would have been 1-1.
Half-chance for Celta this time as Rafinha finds some space outside the box before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. Not much happened in the first 20 minutes this evening, but it has been an end-to-end encounter since then. The first period has just flown past.
GOAL! Granada 1-1 Celta (El-Arabi)
Granada level in the latter stages of the first period as El-Arabi meets a Rico corner before directing his header into the top corner. Game on!
Celta have just decided to keep possession since conceding as we enter the final stages of the first period. In truth, Granada were well worth that equaliser. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals as the fixture continues to flow from end-to-end.
HALF-TIME: Granada 1-1 Celta
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the score level at 1-1. Celta took the lead against the run of play through Cabral after 28 minutes, but a header from El-Arabi has left the score level after 45 minutes of pulsating football in Andalusia.
STATISTICS: The away side have shaded the possession with 55%, but they have had five attempts to Granada's seven. The home side have certainly been the more inventive in the final third, but Celta have been a threat on the counter. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Buonanotte, Dani Benitez, Foulquier and Pereira. Meanwhile, Celta have the likes of Bermejo, Krohn-Dehli and Santi Mina on their bench. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in terms of the final result. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes underway on this mild evening in Andalusia.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect both managers will be prepared to alter proceedings if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so. Early attack for Celta in the second half, but Charles cannot meet a through pass from Rafinha, with Roberto on hand to collect.
Celta have made the brighter start to the second period with the likes of Rafinha and Nolito seeing plenty of the ball. However, no real chances thus far. In truth, a 1-1 draw would not be the worst result for either of these sides, but Granada, as the home team, will be expected to force the issue.
CHANCE! Oh my word what a chance! Celta have a golden opportunity to take the lead as Rafinha releases Nolito in a one-on-one situation with Roberto, but Iturra comes from nowhere to produce a wonderful sliding challenge. End-to-end football with 53 minutes on the clock.
Penalty shout for the home side as El-Arabi goes down inside the Celta box, but the referee is not interested. In truth, there did not seem too much in the challenge with Castro. Moments later, Celta make their first change of the match with Mina entering the field in place of Charles, who limps off. Little over 35 minutes of this La Liga clash remaining.
El-Arabi turns provider for Piti moments later as the former whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Mallo just does enough to ease it behind. Still no movement on the Granada bench, but I suspect that changes could occur in the next five minutes or so. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals in Andalusia.
Half-chance for the away side as Orellana finds some space outside the box before curling an effort towards the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Neither side is really on top at the moment as the match continues to flow from end-to-end. It promises to be a fascinating final 30 minutes or so.
It's good work from Angulo as the Granada defender drives down the right before driving a low cross towards Piti, but the Spaniard cannot make a telling touch at the vital moment. Not too much from Celta going forward in the last few moments, but they have plenty of attacking personnel on the field. Little under 30 minutes remaining.
Celta make their second change of the match as Oubina is replaced by Aurtenetxe. Still no movement on the Granada bench, but they are looking the more dangerous in the final third. In truth, a 1-1 draw would not be the worst result for either side this evening. However, you just get the feeling that there is a winner in this.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments as the challenges continue to arrive in the middle of the park. Nolito delivers a low cross into the Granada box moments later before Fernandez tries his luck, but Mainz makes a fine block.
Nolito becomes the latest Celta player to enter the book for a poor challenge on Nyom as the untidiness in the middle of the park continues. Neither side has really done enough in the second period to deserve to be leading. Piti has a half-chance for Granada as he finds some space inside the box, but his effort is blocked by Fontas.
It just isn't happening for Celta in the final third as another attack comes to an end when Rafinha fails to read a pass from Mina, who has struggled to impose himself since entering the field. You just get the feeling that there will be a couple more big chances in the remaining 20 minutes.
Granada make their first change and it is a surprising one as Piti leaves the field for Buonanotte, who has the chance to impress in the final 15 minutes or so. Incredibly talented, but has found it hard to secure a regular spot in the team this season. The scrappiness continues with 73 minutes on the clock.
The frustration continues for Celta as another attack breaks down when Orellana loses possession in the final third. A half-chance does arrive from a Rafinha cross, but Roberto manages to palm clear under pressure from Nolito, who needs to be careful after picking up a booking for a late challenge on Nyom.
Half-chance for Celta as Cabral finds some space down the left before drilling a low cross into the box, but Roberto collects under pressure from Mina. El-Arabi has an opportunity down the other end moments later, but he curls one just wide of the post under pressure from Fontas.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments as the clock continues to tick with little over 10 minutes remaining. Celta have started to force the issue on the counter attack, but neither side has really done enough to deserve the lead at this stage of proceedings.
It's brilliant work from Rafinha as the Celta forward rounds two defenders before drilling a low cross into the box, but Mainz is on hand to make the block. The resulting corner is delivered towards Mina, but Roberto comes to collect. Still 1-1 in the opening match of Week 22 in La Liga.
Murillo attempts the spectacular as he rises on the edge of the box before producing a bicycle kick, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Nyom delivers a dangerous cross into the Celta box moments later, but Fontas is across to clear under pressure from Rico.
Celta make their third and final change of the evening as Orellana is replaced by Krohn-Dehli. That is a positive move from the away side. The Dane is immediately involved with an effort from outside the box, but Roberto is on hand to make the save.
Half-chance for the home side as Rico meets a corner from Recio, but his header is high of the crossbar. Celta break forward with Rafinha moments later, but Angulo is across to clear. Is there to be a late winner this evening?
GOAL! Granada 1-2 Celta (Fernandez)
Oh my word! Celta take the lead after 89 minutes as Fernandez taps home after Roberto had saved an effort from Krohn-Dehli. What drama!
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Can Granada respond? Time is running out.
Talk about smash-and-grab! Granada continue to force the issue with a series of crosses into the box, but Celta clear their lines. Nyom tries his luck from distance, but finds the body of Krohn-Dehli.
FULL-TIME: Granada 1-2 Celta
So there we have it. Drama in the last few moments as Fernandez scores late on to hand Celta all three points. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us again tomorrow for more La Liga football. Until then!
