Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. The favourite Celta Vigo @ 2.25 looked good value in a dominant first half where they could have led by more than one. Thanks however to a much improved showing in the second period it ended in a draw, rewarding backers of the ‘x’ @ 3.35.
Moving onto the Asian handicap market where backers of the host Celta -0.25 @ 1.90 got half of their stake back. In the preview for this match, we outlined the character and strong Sevilla road form could be important against a fragile Celta Vigo. This proved to be correct as the winner in this section was the visitor Sevilla +0.25 @ 1.96.
Looking at The Under/Over market was set at what looked like a tempting low line, 2.25. Overs looked attractive given that both defences are poor but the finishing wasn’t good enough on the night to get the 3rd goal and turn Overs into a win. The game finished Under @ 1.90 but any Over punters got back half of their stake.
Match Summary
It was a rough and tumble affair in Vigo where both teams came off the pitch a little frustrated to draw at the Estadio de Balaídos. With the result, Sevilla remains without a victory in La Liga since mid-October.
Celta Vigo had the better of the match for around an hour but showed their frailties in both boxes, defending poorly when tested and missing key chances at crucial times. Sevilla was unconvincing from the start but grew stronger once pulling level, but to be fair they looked more likely winners when it was 1-1.
Celta began the contest brightly while Sevilla, despite being boosted by the return of En-Nesyri, stuttered to get anything going offensively. Sampaoli’s side was also fortunate to remain with 11 players when José Ángel escaped a second yellow card.
Celta’s dominance paid dividends shortly after the half-hour mark. Gabri Veiga ran onto Aspas’ defence-splitting past before chipping over the onrushing keeper Bounou.
Carlos Carvalhal’s team missed big opportunities to double but this time, Moroccan hero Bounou came to the visitors’ rescue. The keeper denied Larsen twice in a matter of seconds.
Sevilla woke up and pulled themselves back on level terms in the 54th minute, a well-taken near post header on a corner. The equaliser came right after their best chance in open play, which led to the corner they scored from.
Despite a much-improved performance in the second half, Sevilla will ultimately be content with the draw. Carmona eventually saw red for the final five minutes to keep Sevilla’s shocking discipline record continuing. Fair scores are 2-1 and 2-2.
