Papu Gómez strikes back to hunt down twice scoring Iago Aspas' Celta de Vigo in 3-4 away narrow win..

2021-04-13 15:21

Papu Gómez strikes back to hunt down twice scoring Iago Aspas

Iago Aspas (left) and Papu Gómez (right) both scored for their respective clubs during Celta de Vigo's match against reigning UEFA Europa League champions Sevilla in the La Liga.



VIGO - Outgoing defending UEFA Europa League champions Sevilla defeated Celta Vigo 4-3 at Estadio Municipal de Balaídos in the La Liga on Monday, strengthening its hold on fourth place and moving within range of leader Atlético Madrid.


Sevilla opened the scoring with a goal by Jules Koundé in the 7th minute of the match, but the hosts went ahead with a pair of goals by former Liverpool's Spanish international striker Iago Aspas in the 20th and 23rd minutes respectively.


Fernando equalized for Sevilla in the 35th minute and Brais Méndez put Celta ahead again near halftime. The visitors rallied in the second half with a goal by Ivan Rakitic in the 60th minute and another by susbtitute Papu Gómez, who arrived in the January transfer window from Serie A surprise package Atalanta in the 76th minute.


The away victory gave Sevilla a 14-point gap over both fifth-place Real Sociedad and sixth-place Real Betis, practically securing the team the final qualification spot for the UEFA Champions League with eight rounds remaining.


The win also put Sevilla six points points from Atlético, which has stumbled at the top recently. Julen Lopetegui's side is now four points behind third-place Barcelona and five from his former side, second-place La Liga defending champions Real Madrid. 10-men Madrid narrowly defeated Barcelona in the El Clásico derby 2-1 on Saturday, while Atlético drew 1-1 at Betis for its second consecutive setback.


Sevilla was coming off a 1-0 home win against Atlético. Next Sunday it visits Sociedad.


Celta, which was seeking its second win in a row in the league, stayed in 10th place.