RC Celta 2-1 Deportivo Alavés: Late Swedberg Strike Seals La Liga Win at Balaídos

RC Celta claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alavés in Spanish La Liga on Sunday, 18 October 2026, with a late goal at Balaídos deciding a tight contest that swung one way and then the other. The three points give Celta a valuable lift in the La Liga standings, while Alavés were left to rue a spirited away performance that ultimately fell just short.

The match had the feel of a classic mid-table La Liga battle: Celta wanted to play on the front foot, Alavés were content to stay compact and strike in transition, and the game was still in the balance deep into the second half. In the end, Celta’s persistence and the quality of their substitutions made the difference.

Match overview

Celta began with purpose and pinned Alavés back inside the opening quarter of an hour. The hosts moved the ball quickly through midfield, used their full-backs to stretch the visitors’ defensive block and created the first clear opening when Borja Iglesias found space inside the penalty area. The striker’s finish was composed, giving Celta a deserved lead and bringing Balaídos to life.

Alavés responded well. Rather than collapsing after conceding, they tightened their midfield, slowed Celta’s rhythm and began to threaten from set pieces and second balls. Kike García was a constant focal point, holding up play and bringing teammates into the attack, and it was the visitors’ improved pressure that produced the equaliser before half-time.

The second half was more open. Celta pushed higher, Alavés looked dangerous on the counter, and both goalkeepers were called into action. The decisive moment arrived late, when Williot Swedberg — one of Celta’s most lively performers — arrived in the box to finish a flowing move and restore the home side’s advantage.

Key moments

• 17th minute: Celta take the lead. Borja Iglesias latches onto a well-weighted pass, takes a touch to steady himself and finishes low beyond the Alavés goalkeeper.
• 36th minute: Alavés equalise. Kike García rises highest from a corner and directs a header into the corner, rewarding the visitors for their improved spell.
• 58th minute: Celta almost regain the lead. Williot Swedberg cuts in from the left and forces a sharp save, with the rebound cleared under pressure.
• 84th minute: Celta find the winner. Swedberg arrives late in the box to convert a cut-back, sending Balaídos into celebration.
• 90+3 minutes: Alavés push forward in search of a leveller, but Celta defend their box well and see out the win.

Tactical story

Celta’s approach was built on control and quick circulation. Their midfield trio kept the ball moving, while the wide players stretched Alavés and created space between the lines. The hosts’ high press also forced several turnovers in dangerous areas, although they were occasionally exposed when Alavés broke quickly.

Alavés set up to be difficult to break down. Their defensive block limited Celta’s clear chances for long periods, and their use of Kike García as a target man gave them an outlet whenever they won the ball back. The visitors’ set-piece threat was evident on the equaliser, but they could not quite hold on as Celta raised the tempo in the final 20 minutes.

The game turned on Celta’s ability to sustain pressure without losing defensive discipline. Their substitutions added energy in the final third, and the winning goal came from exactly the kind of quick combination play the home side had been building toward all evening.

Standout performers

Williot Swedberg was the difference-maker for Celta. His movement between the lines caused Alavés problems throughout, and his late winner capped a performance full of direct running and intelligent positioning. Borja Iglesias also impressed, leading the line with strength and giving Celta a reliable presence in the box.

For Alavés, Kike García was their best attacking outlet. He scored the equaliser and won several aerial duels, while the midfield worked hard to deny Celta space in central areas. In the end, though, the visitors lacked the final piece of quality needed to leave Balaídos with a point.

What it means for the La Liga table

The win gives Celta momentum and three important points as they look to establish themselves in the upper half of the La Liga standings. Home form will be crucial to their season, and victories like this — hard-earned, late, and against a well-organised opponent — can be worth more than just the points on the board.

For Deportivo Alavés, the result is a frustrating one. There were positives in their organisation and attacking threat, but the margin between taking a dra