UEL roundup: Sensational Celta comeback

Celta Vigo will fly the La Liga flag in the Europa League after a dramatic comeback saw them secure a sensational win in Ukraine.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg in Galicia, Eduardo Berizzo’s men were on the verge of elimination until Iago Aspas’ penalty in stoppage time saved the day before Gustavo Cabral netted the winner to see Celta secure a sensational victory.

They are La Liga’s sole remaining representatives in the competition, after both Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao exited on Thursday night.

Athletic had led Cypriot side APOEL 3-2 from the first leg but an eventful and bad-tempered second half saw Ernesto Valverde’s side eliminated.

Pieros Sotiriou put the hosts ahead before a Giannis Gianniotas penalty sealed the game, with Sotiriou and Athletic’s Ander Iturraspe later dismissed.

Trailing 4-0 from the first leg in Spain, Villarreal were never likely to turn their tie against Roma around but did leave the Italian capital with a creditable 1-0 victory.

Rafael Santos Borre gave the Yellow Submarine very brief hope but there were no further goals as Fran Escriba’s side were eliminated.

La Liga - Club News