Las Palmas’ Moleiro Equalises to Secure Draw Against Celta Vigo

Celta Vigo enjoyed a distinct advantage in possession and crafted more goal-scoring opportunities, yet they had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at Balaídos against a determined Las Palmas outfit, who were forced to replace their starting goalkeeper, Jasper Cillessen, due to an injury in the first half.

The Celestes appeared to be the more potent side in the opening exchanges, with Alfon Gonzalez emerging as their primary creative force in the attacking third.

It wasn’t until the middle of the first half that Celta came close to taking the lead, through Borja Iglesias, but Cillessen pulled off a spectacular save from point-blank range.

However, the Dutch keeper’s time on the field was cut short after a collision with Iglesias that resulted in him being stretchered off. It would be surprising if he didn’t miss the remainder of the 2024-25 LaLiga season.

Dinko Horkas stepped in for Cillessen in goal for Las Palmas, and while he made a commendable save from another close-range effort by Iglesias, he was ultimately powerless to prevent Celta from scoring right before half-time. Alfon curled a beautiful shot into the net after a well-placed assist from Iglesias, giving the hosts a well-deserved lead going into the break.

Celta’s lead was short-lived, as Las Palmas required less than three minutes after the break to level the score. Oliver McBurnie advanced into the box and delivered a precise low cross, allowing Alberto Moleiro to net his sixth goal of the season with a powerful strike that beat Vicente Guaita.

Despite continuing to press forward, Celta struggled to generate clear-cut chances against Horkas. They nearly faced a hefty consequence when Fabio Silva converted a rebound to give the visitors the lead, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review.

In the face of mounting late pressure, Celta could not find the decisive goal and were forced to share the spoils, a result that hinders their aspirations of European football next season. They currently hold ninth spot with 39 points, trailing eighth-placed Real Betis by eight points.

Las Palmas will be satisfied with the point, as it lifts them out of the relegation zone and places them one point clear of Alaves.