Yessss!! We Stay Top!!

(Reblogged from ESPN)

Natxo Insa scored the only goal as RC Celta survived relegation from the Primera División with a close win over Español. The midfielder struck after 15 minutes as the home side avoided the drop to the delight of a packed Balaidos as overjoyed fans swarmed on to the pitch at the final whistle.

RC Celta stayed up at the expense of RCD A Coruña, who were relegated after being beaten 1-0 at home by Real Sociedad. Espanyol went close when Simao Sabrosa sent in a free-kick from the right but RC Celta goalkeeper Ruben Blanco proved equal to the effort after four minutes.

The home side took the lead in the 15th minute when Iago Aspas crossed from the left and Insa shot into the top right corner of the goal from inside the area. Things got worse for Español three minutes later when Sergio García was booked for deliberate handball.

The next chance fell to Joan Verdú but the Español midfielder shot wide of the target.García was off target as Español kept up the pressure and then Christian Stuani volleyed over the bar from close range.

RC Celta Vigo's Carlos Bellvís shot over from distance before Alex López's header was comfortable for Español goalkeeper Francisco Casilla. 17-year-old Rubén Blanco made a brilliant save to tip García's header over and then pushed Verdu's shot around the post.

García shot wide on the hour as Espanyol pressed for an equaliser but the home side could have added to their lead with 12 minutes to go, only for Aspas' shot to be blocked by Casilla. Aspas was on hand in his own area when he cleared a Simao corner at the near post.

With five minutes to go RC Celta's Michael Krohn-Delhi was off target as he tried to extend the home side's lead. However, RC Celta were able to see out time and their delighted fans flocked on to the pitch when their survival was assured at the end of the game.

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