Union Saint-Gilloise came from behind to beat RC Celta 2-1 in a UEFA Europa League league-phase match at Abanca-Balaídos on 6 November 2026, delivering a sharp lesson in away-game management in Vigo.

Celta controlled much of the first half and led through Borja Iglesias, but Union stayed compact, grew into the contest after the break and turned the game around with goals from Promise David and Franjo Ivanović. The Belgian visitors defended their box with discipline and punished Celta in the spaces left behind as the hosts pushed for a winner.

Match overview

RC Celta began with the intent expected of a home side in Europe. Óscar Mingueza pushed high from right-back, Williot Swedberg drifted inside to create overloads, and Borja Iglesias occupied the Union centre-backs. That pressure produced the opening goal and gave the Balaídos crowd plenty of encouragement.

Union Saint-Gilloise, however, never allowed the game to become one-way traffic. Their back three absorbed crosses well, the midfield stayed compact in front of the defence, and the front pair remained ready to attack the space Celta left when their full-backs advanced. The equaliser changed the mood, and the winning goal arrived when Celta were at their most committed going forward.

Key moments

• 14th minute: Celta’s first clear chance arrived when Mingueza’s low cross found Borja Iglesias, but Anthony Moris saved well with his legs.
• 31st minute: Celta took a deserved lead. Swedberg worked space on the left and delivered a measured cross for Borja Iglesias, who guided a header beyond Moris.
• 56th minute: Union equalised after a turnover in midfield. Promise David drove into the box and finished low across the goalkeeper to silence the home crowd.
• 68th minute: Celta nearly regained the lead from a set piece, but Union cleared off the line after a scramble.
• 79th minute: The winner came on the counter. Franjo Ivanović timed his run perfectly, received the ball in the right channel and placed a composed finish into the far corner.
• 88th minute: Celta threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser, but Moris dealt comfortably with the final crosses as Union dropped deeper to protect their advantage.

Tactical story

Celta’s 4-2-3-1 gave them control in possession, especially in the first half, but it also left them exposed when moves broke down. Union’s 3-4-2-1 was designed for exactly that scenario: a narrow defensive block, aggressive recovery runs and quick vertical passes into the forwards.

The turning point was not simply the equalising goal but Union’s decision to press higher after the break. That adjustment forced Celta into quicker, less controlled passes and created the transitions from which both Union goals originated. Celta finished with more of the ball, but Union had the clearer plan in the final half hour.

Standout players

Borja Iglesias was Celta’s most dangerous attacker, linking play and scoring with a typically assured header. Mingueza offered constant width and delivery from right-back, while Swedberg’s movement caused Union problems before the visitors tightened their shape.

For Union Saint-Gilloise, Promise David’s equaliser was the moment the away side believed. Franjo Ivanović’s winning goal was the reward for intelligent movement, and goalkeeper Anthony Moris produced the kind of calm late saves that decide tight European away matches. The back three also deserve credit for surviving Celta’s late aerial barrage.

What the result means

The Europa League standings now look much healthier for Union Saint-Gilloise, who strengthened their push for a top-eight finish and direct qualification for the knockout stages. For RC Celta, the defeat is a setback in their bid to secure a favourable playoff position, especially because it came at home after a promising start.

Celta will need to turn possession into more decisive chances in their remaining league-phase fixtures, while Union have shown they can win in different ways: with the ball, without it, and late in the game when the pressure is highest.