Celta Vigo got the better of Alaves at Balaidos on Sunday, 18 October 2026, grinding out a 2-1 win in a game that took a while to get going. The first half was cagey, both sides cancelling each other out, and it stayed goalless at the break. Celta came out with more purpose after half-time, though, and found a way through when it mattered to turn a stalemate into three points. The win lifts spirits around Balaidos after a stuttering spell, and it's the kind of result that can settle nerves in a dressing room. Alaves will be frustrated, having matched their hosts for long spells and taken the game into the closing stages still with something to show for it before Celta held firm. For Celta, it's a timely boost, the kind of gritty, non-pretty win that can mean more than the performance itself over the course of a long season.
The Matchup
Celta Vigo 2-1 Alaves was the final score at Estadio Abanca-Balaidos, in a game where Celta Vigo did enough across the ninety minutes to deserve the three points. It was not always comfortable for Celta Vigo, and Alaves pushed for a way back into the game, but the result stood. Games like this can carry real weight later in the season, so this is a scoreline worth remembering. Below is a closer look at how the match broke down, statistically.
Looking Ahead
Celta Vigo have a quick chance to build on this result. Their next test comes at home to Real Betis, and how they respond after this result will be worth watching. You can follow the build-up and everything you need to know when Celta Vigo vs Real Betis going to play at 25 October 2026 in Spanish La Liga 2026-27.
Alaves, meanwhile, does not have long to wait before getting back out onto the pitch. They are next in action at home to Malaga, a game that will give an early sense of how they carry this result forward. Full details are here: Alaves vs Malaga going to play at 23 October 2026 in Spanish La Liga 2026-27.