Key information about Celta

The club represents Galician football, founded in 1923 in the city of Vigo, located in the north-west of the country. Celta has always been a team that is not afraid of difficulties and even in difficult times it finds a way to remain an important part of La Liga.

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Celta: the history of the club

The team went through many stages of development, repeatedly finding themselves in the lower divisions, but each time they returned to La Liga.

Vigo is not the largest city in Spain, but it was here in 1923 that a club appeared, which is now talked about not only in Galicia. Then the local fans got tired of watching two middling teams — Real Fortuna and Sporting Vigo — trying in vain to assert themselves at the national level. As a result — a merger, a new emblem with a crown (because the king himself gave support), and a fresh name — \"Celta\", in honor of the Celts, the first settlers of these lands.

The start was encouraging, but then it was a classic for most Spanish clubs outside the top: back and forth between Primera and Segunda. There are periods of brilliance, periods of struggle for survival. However, there were stages when \"Celta\" was talked about all over Europe. Especially in the late 90s. The team crushed Juventus and Benfica in the UEFA Cup, and the charismatic Mostovy shone on the field.

And then — failure in 2004. Departure, debts, panic. But \"Celta\" is not what it seems. In 2012, she returned to La Liga, and already in 2017 almost reached the finals of the Europa League - then it was a little short against Man United. Today it is a different team, but with the same stubbornness in character.

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Celta Stadium

Balaidos Stadium is not just a football arena, but a real home for Celta and its fans. Opened in 1928, it has undergone several reconstructions, but has retained its authentic atmosphere. This is not a modern hi-tech complex with elite lodges - there is a different magic here.

Located in the western part of Vigo, the stadium immerses you in the atmosphere of real Spanish football from the first minutes. When the team takes the field and the stands are packed to the brim, the place comes alive. Its feature is close contact between players and fans. The distance from the stands to the lawn is minimal, so the pressure of the fans is felt especially acutely.

During its history, Balaidos hosted matches of the 1982 World Cup, the legendary matches of \"Celta\" in La Liga, the Spanish Cup and European Cups. But the most important thing is that the history of the club was made here, where every victory or defeat felt as if it was a matter of life and death.

Celta achievements

If you look only at the trophies, Celta will not impress. No championship, no Spanish Cup, although there were chances. However, this club is not measured by titles. It is measured in moments.

Greatest achievements:

Final of the Spanish Cup (1948/49) — a chance for the first trophy, but failure.
The semi-final of the Europa League (2016/17) is a historic breakthrough that could have ended in the final, if not for that mistake in the match with Man United.
Fourth place in La Liga (2002/03) is the best ever season, leading the team to the Champions League.

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But if you ask the fans what moments they remember the most, it's not the finals and the tables. It's 7:0 against Benfica. These are incredible comebacks. These are matches where \"Celta\" played not just for points, but for their pride.
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Famous Celta players

Alexander Mostovy is a genius who was loved for his technique, field vision and character. He was called \"King Vigo\" because he really ruled the game. Without him \"EuroCelta\" would not exist.
Iago Aspas is not just a captain, but the heart of the team. His return saved the club from relegation and he continues to do his best for Celta.
Claudio Lopez, Gustavo Lopez are two Argentines who brought South American passion and unpredictability to Vigo.
Felix Carvajal is a person who, back in the 1940s, became a symbol of the first great Celta.

Interesting facts about Celta

The record defeat of Benfica – 7:0 in the 1999 UEFA Cup - the biggest European defeat of the Portuguese giants.
A meeting with \"Barca\" that cannot be forgotten - in 2015 \"Celta\" defeated \"Barcelona\" 4:1. At that time, the Catalans included Neymar, Messi and Suarez, but they could not do anything.
The comeback that saved the club - in 2012 Celta were on the brink of relegation from the Segunda but a win in the last round kept them in the second division, marking the start of a new era.
Vigo is not a million-dollar city, but Celta has loyal fans who travel to the farthest corners of Spain to follow the team.

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Ian Fray: Career