The Celta Vigo striker John Guidetti celebrates after giving his side the lead against Valencia |
Gary Neville felt the anger of the Mestalla crowd after Valencia were beaten 2-0 by Celta Vigo on Sunday, conceding two goals in the last 10 minutes for a third successive defeat in La Liga which left them six points above the relegation zone.
The former Manchester City striker John Guidetti scored Celta’s first in the 80th minute and their captain Hugo Mallo added the second soon afterwards, the home fans responding with chants of “Neville go now”.
Celta’s victory took them above Athletic Bilbao, who lost 2-1 at Espanyol, into the top six to boost their chances of European football next season.
Valencia, who were eliminated from the Europa League by Athletic Bilbao on away goals last Thursday, were fortunate to make it to half-time without conceding a goal after Celta created a series of excellent chances.
Valencia’s goalkeeper, Mat Ryan, had to scramble the ball off the line after the defender Shkrodan Mustafi deflected a cross off the near post and the Australia international had to make further saves from Guidetti and Daniel Wass.
Valencia improved in the second half but fell behind when Guidetti latched on to a back-heel by FabiƔn Orellana to fire home. Then Mallo cut in from the right to beat Ryan at the near post.
Valencia could have conceded again before the final whistle sounded. Orellana’s attempted chip went just wide of the near post and then he struck the woodwork with the goal gaping.