BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Villarreal drew 1-1 with Celta Vigo on Friday, earning the point he needed to move up to fourth in the Spanish league, a place that guarantees a place in the Champions League.
Villarreal controlled the actions and went ahead with Gerard Moreno’s goal from outside the area after 15 minutes.
Celta reacted but the interventions of goalkeeper Pepe Reina prevented the visitors from falling in the match.
The 40-year-old former Liverpool goalkeeper deflected a shot from Iago Aspas in Celta’s best scoring opportunity before halftime.
Shortly after Villareal’s José Morales smashed the ball off Vigo’s crossbar, Reina failed to prevent Norway’s Jorgen Larsen’s goal for an equalizer in the 68th minute.
The goal was Larsen’s first in 13 league games since joining Celta last summer.
However, Reina, who became a starter after the departure of Argentine Gerónimo Rulli, parried shots from Unai Núñez and Carles Pérez near the end of the game.
Quique Setién’s team, which defeated Real Madrid 2-1 the previous date, achieved a place to compete in the Champions League with the draw.
Moreno said that they were on a good run and it was important to avoid defeat.
He pointed out that at the beginning of the game they sought to take the three points, but after that difficult second half they were happy to have obtained a unit.
Celta moved up to 15th place and is two points safe from the relegation zone. The club has not known defeat in four dates under the baton of its new coach, the Portuguese Carlos Carvalhal.
