Celta Vigo welcomed Granada to the Estadio de Balaidos on Saturday looking to continue their unbeaten start to the league season.
The home side had the lead just before the 30-minute mark when Rafinha found the back of the net from close range, with that strike all that separated the teams at the interval.
Granada were level in the second period, however, when Piti converted from inside the box.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! The first of our three back-to-back live commentaries from La Liga comes from Vigo as Celta Vigo welcome Granada. Both sides have made encouraging starts to the season, with Celta picking up four points from a possible six and Granada collecting three in the same period. This is the type of game that both managers will feel that they can win.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won two of the last five, with the other ending in a draw. As mentioned, Celta were 2-1 winners in the corresponding match last season, but Granada won by the same scoreline on their own patch. The fact that there has been just 10 goals in the last five games between the pair suggests that we will have a tight match this evening.
As mentioned, Celta opened their season with a 2-2 draw at home to Espanyol. The home side moved into a 2-0 lead in the second period, but were pegged back in the latter stages. They recovered in fine fashion last week, however, winning 2-1 at Champions League hopefuls Real Betis. They could and should have been beaten, but they showed a lot of character to claim all the points.
They might have lost Iago Aspas to Liverpool this summer, but Charles, who they signed from Almeria in the summer, has had no problem settling in with two goals in as many games. They have managed to add a number of players in the summer, while under the stewardship of Luis Enrique it is difficult to imagine that they will be in trouble come the end of the season.
Granada did not make too many noises in La Liga last season, eventually finishing 15th, six points ahead of the bottom three. They have added well this summer with the signings of Piti and Riki from Rayo Vallecano and Deportivo La Coruna respectively, while they have made an encouraging start to the season.
They overcame Osasuna on the opening weekend, but were beaten 1-0 by Real Madrid on their own patch on Monday. They found the back of the net on just 37 occasions in the league last season, but it does appear that they have goals in their side this time around. They are another side who will be hopeful of pushing towards the top half of the table.
TEAMS:
CELTA XI: Yoel; Mallo, Costas, Aurtenetxe, Toni; Fontas, Alex Lopez; Rafinha, Augusto, Nolito; Charles
GRANADA XI: Roberto; Nyom, Diakhate, Mainz, Angulo; Iturra, Fran Rico; Piti, Brahimi, Dani Benitez; Riki
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Celta side this evening with Charles continuing as the lone striker. Rafinha also comes into the side, while Alex Lopez and Andreu Fontas will operate in midfield. Granada, meanwhile, hand starts to summer signings Piti and Riki. Plenty of attacking personnel on display from both sides.
Just a reminder that following on from this match we have action from Valladolid as Real Valladolid welcome Getafe, before the evening’s events end with Osasuna hosting Villarreal. The big three are all in action tomorrow, with Real Madrid hosting Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid travelling to Real Sociedad and Valencia welcoming Barcelona. As usual, we will have them all covered.
Right, little over two minutes until kickoff on this warm evening in Spain. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags, we will be ready to get the action underway. Just about time for my pre-match prediction - I am expecting a close match, but I think Celta have enough about them to pick up all three points.
Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. Celta hand starts to Charles and Nolito in attack, while there is also a spot for Rafinha. Granada, meanwhile, have summer signings Riki and Piti in attack. Dani Benitez also starts in a wide area. Right, the home side get the action underway in Vigo.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, far from it actually, but there is a good atmosphere. You just get the feeling that this is the type of match that both will feel that they need to win at this stage of the season. Nice bright start from the home side with Alex Lopez and Fontas enjoying plenty of the ball in the middle of midfield.
It's good work from Toni as the Celta midfielder collects possession outside the box before attempting to feed Nolito, but Nyom is across to make a fine challenge. It must be said that the pitch is in fabulous condition, while it is perfect weather for a game of football. Celta continue to enjoy much of the early possession at the Estadio de Balaidos.
We have not seen too much from the likes of Riki and Piti thus far with the Granada duo struggling for service in the final third. Again the home side attempt to force the issue with a scooped cross towards Charles, but Angulo is on hand to clear. Meanwhile, the referee is keen to let the match flow in the early stages. Still goalless with six minutes on the clock.
First attempt of the match comes to the home side as Rafinha combines with Nolito before attempting to find the top corner, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the target. Granada attempt to break down the other end with Dani Benitez carrying possession, but the Spaniard is quickly crowded out by blue shirts. Celta want a penalty moments later as Rafinha tumbles in the box, but the referee is not interested.
Good spell for Granada in the last couple of moments with the away side enjoying possession in the opposing half, but they have not looked like threatening Yoel in the Celta goal. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - could be vital in this type of match. Still goalless, but there is a good tempo to proceedings in Vigo.
More attacking intent from Granada in the last few moments with the likes of Brahimi and Dani Benitez seeing more of the ball. We have just seen a replay of the penalty shout for the home side, but it would be fair to say that the referee made the correct decision. Rafinha was always looking to go to ground under the challenge of Roberto. A mistake from Angulo moments later allows Nolito an effort on goal, but the Granada stopper makes the save.
David Costas is next to try his luck for the home side as he collects possession outside the box before striking an effort on goal, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Granada attempt to break down the other end with Fran Rico, but his cross is straight into the arms of Yoel, who had a fine game against Betis last time out.
It is a case of anywhere will do for Granada at the moment as Celta continue to force the away side towards their own penalty area. Granada have been unable to find Riki in advanced positions thus far, while Piti has done most of his work in a defensive area. Still no goals with 17 minutes on the clock in Vigo.
Celta continue to force the issue with two corners in quick succession, but the first is headed clear by Nyom before Toni heads high and wide of the crossbar. Toni whips another cross into the box moments later, but Granada manage to clear. Simply all one-way traffic, but you get the feeling that Celta need to take one of these chances.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with neither side taking too much care in possession of the ball. Granada have started to enjoy more of the ball, but Celta appear defensively sound. Meanwhile, the referee has been called into action to deal with a number of late challenges from both sides.
Half-chance for the home side as Alex Lopez collects possession outside the box before releasing an effort towards the bottom corner, but Roberto is across to make a fine save. That has been the story of the last few moments, neither side has been able to force their way into the opposing box. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining.
Yoel is called into action to deal with a whipped cross from Brahimi, but the Spaniard does manage to clear the danger. The Granada pressure does not last for long as the home side advance down the other end with Rafinha, but once more it breaks down in the final third. Still goalless with 26 minutes on the clock in Vigo.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Riki meets a low cross from Iturra, but Yoel is on hand to make the save. End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Celta advance down the other end with Toni, but the Spaniard just cannot find the run of Rafinha, who has bee the brightest player on the pitch thus far.
Unfortunately, the tempo has really dropped in the last couple of moments with Celta struggling to find the intensity that they displayed in the early stages of the match. Nolito is involved for Celta moments later as he picks out a deep cross towards Fernandez, but the Argentine can only plant his header wide of the post having evaded Mainz.
GOAL! Celta 1-0 Granada (Rafinha)
The home side take the lead with 29 minutes on the clock as Rafinha pounced on a loose ball inside the box before finishing from close range. The Brazilian had an opportunity to score moments before, but made no mistake this time around.
It comes as no surprise that the scoring has been opened by Rafinha. He has been the best player on the pitch by some distance. Celta again attempt to force the issue as Toni finds the run of Nolito inside the box, but this time Angulo is across to clear at the vital moment.
Half-chance for Benitez as the Granada midfielder collects possession in a wide area before beating Hugo Mallo, but his attempt was always moving wide of the post. You just get the feeling that the next goal could be decisive. It is difficult to imagine Granada coming back from two goals behind if that is indeed the case.
POST! Wonderful chance for Celta to score their second as Alex Lopez beats the offside trap before advancing into the Granada box, but his low effort clips the outside of the post. The home side look in the mood with little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Vigo.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Celta enjoying possession of the ball. Many had tipped them to struggle this season after losing Iago Aspas to Liverpool, but they are heading for seven points from a possible nine. The likes of Charles and Rafinha have given them a fresh look this season there is no question about that.
Another half-chance for the home side as Toni drives down the left before delivering a cross towards Nolito, but Angulo is across with a fine clearance at the vital moment. Celta continue to force midfielders into the Granada box, but they cannot find that elusive pass. Little over three minutes of the first period remaining as Mallo fires wide of the post.
Good possession for the home side in the final couple of minutes of the first period, but Granada have tightened up in defence. Riki remains the target down the other end for the away side, but he has been left too isolated thus far. Nolito threatens for Celta inside the box moments later, but Roberto is on hand to claim at the vital moment.
HALF TIME: Celta 1-0 Granada
Good pressure from the away side in the latter stages of the half, but the referee brings the half to an end with Celta winning courtesy of that strike from Rafinha. In truth, it has been a match of few chances, with Granada struggling for invention in the final third.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Michael Krohn-Dehli, Javi Rey and David Rodriguez. Meanwhile, Granada also have options in the shape of El-Arabi, Yebda, Buonanotte and Alvaro Garcia. I suspect that we will see changes as the second period develops.
STATISTICS: Celta have utterly dominated the possession with 68%, while they have had six attempts to Granada's zero. In truth, the home side should be a couple of goals ahead at this point, but a 1-0, Granada are still very much in the game. Be sure to remain with us as the action unfolds.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either sides at the interval. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if we indeed have one - could be decisive. Granada simply must improve. The away side get the action underway in Vigo.
Just a reminder that if Celta pick up the three points this evening then they will move onto seven points for the season, which would be very impressive. Granada, however, have really struggled thus far. Good start to the second period from the away side, however, who have put plenty of crosses into the box.
CHANCE! It's good work from Charles down the right as the Brazilian collects a pass from Toni before driving a low cross into the box, it falls to Lopez, but his effort is high and wide of the target. That might have put the game beyond Granada with 50 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Oh my word this game should be over. Celta have another chance to take the lead as Rafinha finds Charles inside the box, but somehow he scoops his effort over the crossbar. That is 12 attempts and counting for Celta. Somehow Granada remain in this match.
Wouldn't it be just like football if Granada went down the other end and scored after hanging on for the entire 55 minutes to date? Celta were dominated last week against Real Betis, but the home side did not take their chances. Will they be punished in a similar way this evening? The second goal would make everyone feel a little bit more comfortable there is no question about that.
Celta continue to force the issue as Charles meets a cross from Fernandez, but his header is high and wide of the target. Meanwhile, the attendance has been confirmed at little over 21,000. The home supporters have been magnificent from the very first moment this evening. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Vigo.
Granada make their first change of the evening as Buonanotte enters the field to replace Benitez, who has been poor this evening. So often he was the saviour for Granada last season, but he has struggled in the early stages of the new campaign. Can Granada force an unlikely equaliser? There is plenty of time remaining there is no question about that.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but Granada are just starting to see more of the ball. Celta remain a threat with the pace of Rafinha, but the away side's defence has tightened up in the last 10 minutes or so. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals this evening.
Half-chance for the home side as Nolito finds Charles inside the box, but once more the Brazilian can only scoop his effort high and wide of the crossbar when he might have done better. Down the other end, Brahimi threatens with a low cross into the box, but Yoel is equal to the danger. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining.
GOAL! Celta 1-1 Granada (Piti)
Granada level with 62 minutes on the clock as Piti collects a cross from Brahimi before thumping a low strike into the bottom corner. What did I say? Celta have not taken their chances and it looks like it will come back to haunt them.
Celta make their first change of the match as Rafinha is replaced by Krohn-Dehli. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining for the home side to take the lead. Or can Granada nick it? Sometimes you do not get what you deserve in football.
It's good work from Granada in the last few moments with Riki and Piti starting to see more of the ball in the final third. The goal has certainly shocked Celta, with the likes of Charles and Nolito retreating into their shell. The home supporters remain in good voice, however, which will give the home side a lift as the match enters the latter stages.
POST! Wonderful chance for Celta to retake the lead as Lopez advances into the box before smashing an effort towards the bottom corner, but it strikes off the post. Granada are down the other end with Piti moments later, but his cross is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper.
Neither side is settling for a point there is no question about that as the end-to-end period of the match continues. Piti is the threat for Granada at the moment as he combines with Riki before attempting to curl an effort towards the top corner, but it just drops over the crossbar. Hardly time to take a breath as the tempo continues to rise.
Lopez is next to try his luck for the home side as he collects possession outside the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. Granada make a change moments later as Alvaro enters the field for Brahimi, who has struggled to influence proceedings in the latter stages of the second period.
The away side are forced into their third change of the match as Yebda replaces Piti, who has limped off. Neither side is too concerned about defending at the moment as each continues to send bodies forward. Celta were the better side in the first period, but Granada must be credited for the way that they have responded.
Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last few moments with Fontas the latest to pick up a yellow card for a late challenge on Rico. You just get the feeling that there will be a winner this evening. Celta have just started to enjoy a bit more possession, but they are struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with both sides prepared to commit bodies in the final third, but the final bit of magic just is not there. If Betis lose this match, they will only have themselves to blame. Riki attempts to craft something with a deep cross into the box, but Yoel comes out to claim under pressure from Rico.
The home side look to their bench once more as Nolito, who has been impressive this evening, is replaced by David Rodriguez. Charles has another half-chance moments later as the Brazilian moves past the challenge of two defenders before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post.
Little over five minutes of football remaining in Vigo with the two sides still level at 1-1. Celta have just started to enjoy more of the ball in the last few moments with Charles and Alex Lopez looking the most likely. Fernandez has a half-chance moments later, but he can only roll his effort into the arms of the goalkeeper.
Granada have just started to retreat in the last couple of moments, which is inviting Celta onto them there is no question about that. The home side look to their bench for the third and final time this evening as Fernandez is replaced by Levy Madinda. Can he come up with something special?
It's good work from Krohn-Dehli as the Dane collects possession down the left before driving a low cross into the box, but Granada manage to clear the danger. The home supporters are absolutely jumping at the moment as they continue to drive their side on. Is a winner coming? It has to come now. Time is against them.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time and we are indeed into the second of those. It is all one-way traffic as the home side continue to launch high balls into the box, but it just will not fall for a blue shirt. Little over one minute of stoppage time remaining.
FULL TIME: Celta 1-1 Granada
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to a close with Granada holding Celta to a 1-1 draw. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Valladolid against Getafe. Until then!
