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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The team is based in the city of **Vitoria-Gasteiz**, which is in the **north of Spain**, in the heart of the **Basque Country**. Despite the **modest status** and periodic appearances in the **Segunda**, the club forever wrote its name in the history of **European football** thanks to reaching the **2001 UEFA Cup final**.\n\n> \"That's when the whole world learned that Alaves is not just a team from the province, but a team with character that can create sensations.\"\n","sporting_achievements":"## The history of Alaves: the path from an unknown club to the final of the UEFA Cup\n\n**\"Alavés\"** appeared on the football map of Spain **January 23, 1921**. The first decades were difficult - the club mainly played in **regional leagues** and did not have a stable place in the **Primera**. The team made its way to the elite for the first time in **1930**, but did not stay there for long.\n\n**The real breakthrough** happened at the end of the **90s**, when the club experienced its **first \"golden decade\"**. In the **1999/2000** season, **Alavés** finished in **sixth place in La Liga**, which made it possible to enter the **European Cups** for the first time in history.\n\n**And the very next season** the Basques created a **real fairy tale**, reaching the **UEFA Cup final**. Along the way, they knocked out the likes of **Inter and Kaiserslautern**, and in the decisive match against **Liverpool** they made the opponent nervous, only losing in extra time with the score **4:5**.\n\n> \"Then there were years of decline, financial problems and even relegation to the third division. But the club gradually revived.\"\n\nIn **2016** returned to **La Liga**. And already in **2017** he reminded himself again, reaching the **final of the Spanish Cup**, where he lost to **Barcelona**.","club_identity":"## Alavesa Stadium\n\nThe club's home arena is **\"Mendisorrosa\"**, one of the **oldest stadiums in Spain**, opened in **1924**. It is located in **Vitoria-Gasteiz** and holds a little more than **19 thousand spectators**.\n\n**The main feature of the stadium** is **incredible atmosphere**. **Basque fans** do not just support the team, but **literally live every match**. There are no **\"plastic\" fans** - only **real fans** who believe in their team even in the worst of times.\n\n> \"Mendisorrosa has gone through several renovations, and the last one in 2019 made the stadium even more modern.\"\n\n**But the main thing remained unchanged** – when the stands explode after the goal of **Alavés**, it **cannot be confused with anything**.\n\n## Achievements of Alaves\n\n**Alavés** doesn't have a cupboard full of trophies, but there are **moments that are more important than any cups**:\n\n* **UEFA Cup Final (2000/01)** is an incredible story that made the club **famous throughout the world**.\n* **Final of the Spanish Cup (2016/17)** is another proof that **Alavés** can fight even with the **strongest**.\n* **Sixth place in La Liga (1999/2000)** – the best season in the Spanish championship, which opened **the door to European cups**.\n\n> \"This club doesn't have the La Liga or Champions League titles, but it has the respect it has earned for its struggles on the pitch.\"","current_status_and_future":"## Legendary players: who made Alaves' name\n\nMany interesting football players played for this club, but some left the **brightest trace** in history:\n\n1. **Herman Burgos** is a charismatic **Argentine goalkeeper** who became a wall for opponents in **the best years of the club**.\n\n2. **Javi Moreno** is the team's top scorer in the **2001 UEFA Cup final**, the author of **two goals against Liverpool**.\n\n3. **Cosmin Kontra** – **Romanian defender**, who not only played reliably in defense, but was also an important part of **attacking actions**.\n\n4. **Ibay Gomez** is one of the **most favorite players** among the fans, who returned to the club even after leaving.\n\n## Interesting facts about Alaves: what makes it special\n\n* **Hero of the Europa League that no one expected** – before the start of the **2000/01** season, no one believed that **Alavés** could reach the **UEFA Cup final**. But the club proved that **anything is possible in football**.\n\n* **One of the most emotional finals** in the history of European Cups - **4:5 against Liverpool** in **2001** became one of the **most heated finals** in the entire history of the tournament.\n\n* **Never Give Up** – In **2017**, **Alavés** eliminated **Celta** in the **2017** semifinals of the **Cup of Spain**, scoring a **winning goal in the final minutes**.\n\n* **The only club** to use the **white and blue vertical striped kit** in **La Liga** - a stylish distinction that is hard to miss.\n\n* **From relegation to European Cups** – in **1995** **Alavés** was in the **third division**, and **five years later** was already playing in the **UEFA Cup**.\n\n> \"Alavés is proof that true greatness is measured not by the number of trophies, but by the strength of the spirit and the ability to create history.\"\n\n**It is worth noting** that **Alavés** remains a **symbol of football romance**, proving that even **modest clubs** can **write great stories**. Will the team be able to **repeat the fairy tale of 2001**? One thing is certain — the **Mendisorrosa spirit** and **Basque character** make **Alavés** a special place where **dreams come true** and **small clubs** can **challenge the giants**. This is a team that **reminds** that in football **the most important thing** is not money, but **heart and faith**.","stb_internal_id":"0192fbe5-6eba-706a-b076-f68a71383e15","overrides":null,"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":"

All about the club «Alaves»

This is a professional football club, founded in 1921. The team is based in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, which is in the north of Spain, in the heart of the Basque Country. Despite the modest status and periodic appearances in the Segunda, the club forever wrote its name in the history of European football thanks to reaching the 2001 UEFA Cup final.

\n
\"That's when the whole world learned that Alaves is not just a team from the province, but a team with character that can create sensations.\"
\n

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

The history of Alaves: the path from an unknown club to the final of the UEFA Cup

\"Alavés\" appeared on the football map of Spain January 23, 1921. The first decades were difficult - the club mainly played in regional leagues and did not have a stable place in the Primera. The team made its way to the elite for the first time in 1930, but did not stay there for long.

The real breakthrough happened at the end of the 90s, when the club experienced its first \"golden decade\". In the 1999/2000 season, Alavés finished in sixth place in La Liga, which made it possible to enter the European Cups for the first time in history.

And the very next season the Basques created a real fairy tale, reaching the UEFA Cup final. Along the way, they knocked out the likes of Inter and Kaiserslautern, and in the decisive match against Liverpool they made the opponent nervous, only losing in extra time with the score 4:5.

\n
\"Then there were years of decline, financial problems and even relegation to the third division. But the club gradually revived.\"
\n

In 2016 returned to La Liga. And already in 2017 he reminded himself again, reaching the final of the Spanish Cup, where he lost to Barcelona.

\n","club_identity_html":"

Alavesa Stadium

The club's home arena is \"Mendisorrosa\", one of the oldest stadiums in Spain, opened in 1924. It is located in Vitoria-Gasteiz and holds a little more than 19 thousand spectators.

The main feature of the stadium is incredible atmosphere. Basque fans do not just support the team, but literally live every match. There are no \"plastic\" fans - only real fans who believe in their team even in the worst of times.

\n
\"Mendisorrosa has gone through several renovations, and the last one in 2019 made the stadium even more modern.\"
\n

But the main thing remained unchanged – when the stands explode after the goal of Alavés, it cannot be confused with anything.

Achievements of Alaves

Alavés doesn't have a cupboard full of trophies, but there are moments that are more important than any cups:

UEFA Cup Final (2000/01) is an incredible story that made the club famous throughout the world.
Final of the Spanish Cup (2016/17) is another proof that Alavés can fight even with the strongest.
Sixth place in La Liga (1999/2000) – the best season in the Spanish championship, which opened the door to European cups.

\n
\"This club doesn't have the La Liga or Champions League titles, but it has the respect it has earned for its struggles on the pitch.\"
\n

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

Legendary players: who made Alaves' name

Many interesting football players played for this club, but some left the brightest trace in history:

Herman Burgos is a charismatic Argentine goalkeeper who became a wall for opponents in the best years of the club.
\n
Javi Moreno is the team's top scorer in the 2001 UEFA Cup final, the author of two goals against Liverpool.
\n
Cosmin Kontra – Romanian defender, who not only played reliably in defense, but was also an important part of attacking actions.
\n
Ibay Gomez is one of the most favorite players among the fans, who returned to the club even after leaving.
\n

Interesting facts about Alaves: what makes it special

Hero of the Europa League that no one expected – before the start of the 2000/01 season, no one believed that Alavés could reach the UEFA Cup final. But the club proved that anything is possible in football.
\n
One of the most emotional finals in the history of European Cups - 4:5 against Liverpool in 2001 became one of the most heated finals in the entire history of the tournament.
\n
Never Give Up – In 2017, Alavés eliminated Celta in the 2017 semifinals of the Cup of Spain, scoring a winning goal in the final minutes.
\n
The only club to use the white and blue vertical striped kit in La Liga - a stylish distinction that is hard to miss.
\n
From relegation to European Cups – in 1995 Alavés was in the third division, and five years later was already playing in the UEFA Cup.
\n

\n
\"Alavés is proof that true greatness is measured not by the number of trophies, but by the strength of the spirit and the ability to create history.\"
\n

It is worth noting that Alavés remains a symbol of football romance, proving that even modest clubs can write great stories. Will the team be able to repeat the fairy tale of 2001? One thing is certain — the Mendisorrosa spirit and Basque character make Alavés a special place where dreams come true and small clubs can challenge the giants. This is a team that reminds that in football the most important thing is not money, but heart and faith.

\n","logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/771_7d671f3718.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_771_7d671f3718.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_771_7d671f3718.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_771_7d671f3718.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_771_7d671f3718.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_771_7d671f3718.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_771_7d671f3718.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}}}}}]}

Transfer	Goal	Assists
Internacional July 2025 - Now	0	0
Alanyaspor July 2023 - July 2025	1	3

Richard: Career