The Balaidos isn’t the most hostile ground you will travel to in Spain though the home support do know how to put their weight behind the team. In terms of scenery and crowd volume, Celta Vigo’s home ground wouldn’t scare a mouse but most travelling teams are booked for 90 minutes in hell there.
In 2009, Celta Vigo were minutes away from falling to the third tier of Spanish football, tonight they play an European semi final against the most successful team in England. Punching above their weight? Yes but this team is immune to fear under Eduardo Berizzo, a man who shortly after leaving Marseille as assistant of Marcelo Bielsa- said “A bunch of faggots is what you have in French football. There are so many homosexual players there, they always provoke you, they touch your thighs, your bum, to see if you will give some kind of signal. I feel disgusted when a homosexual shares the same shower and stares at one’s bum with desire, and even gets emotional when you are naked.”
This remark probably highlights his personality as a man without fear of consequence, who isn’t scared to express his beliefs and opinion. This much is reflective on how Celta Vigo plays and approach games. They are often cavalier and expressive when they attack, but their intelligence is shown when they defend.
Like one of the many apostles of Marcelo Bielsa, high pressing is the gospel that is preached, but Eduardo Berrizo isn’t insoluble to see frailties of the system. Celta Vigo have lost five of their last six domestic games, a form that mistly show the quality of the team or the fact that they have rested their key players in all but one (Sevilla) of those games. Celta Vigo have played more games than any other team in Spain and due to the physical demands of their style, Eduardo Berrido is keeping his first team as fresh as possible- Something Marcelo Bielsa always failed to do.
In Sisto, John Guidetti and Iago Aspas they have three forwards who can do damage to any defence like Barcelona and Real Madrid have found out this season. Aspas have scored 17 goals in 29 appearance this season and he is the many figure in the team. Berrido demands freedom going forward and pragmatism while defending.
Celta Vigo’s attack is also their first form of defence and that is where Manchester United’s biggest problem lies. Celta Vigo will ensure United don’t get enough space in bringing the ball from defence to attack and none of Mourinho’s team are ever comfortable with tight spaces. They will try to suffocate United in their own half, thereby isolating the midfield from the forwards.
In the last three years, Celta Vigo have won both at Camp Nou and Santiago Bernabeu which means they are never overwhelmed by the big stage. Between them, Real Madrid and Barcelona have conceded nine goals against Celta Vigo this season, two teams that are far superior than Manchester United right now.
Manchester United have been far from convincing away from home in the Europa league. They have often had to do the job at home which have also been a struggle in itself. Unlike Anderlecht and Rostov; Celta Vigo are a different kettle and are more unforgiving. Another average Europa League performance won’t cut it for Manchester United in Balaidos. Mourinho’s men would have to put a performance worthy of an opponent like Manchester City or Chelsea to get a positive result.
The lack of X-factor also presents a bigger challenge for Jose Mourinho and his men. Celta Vigo can balance and rival any team in terms of play and industry. What usually have been the difference between them and the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid is that extra bit of quality which Manchester United are lacking today with the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Pogba’s fee may connote him to be an x-factor but he has seldom played like one or more appropriate is he can never play like one because it is different job description.
Celta Vigo are a worry but on their day, they could threaten FBI’s headquarter as safe a place that would be and Manchester United aren’t a safe house.
Written by Joseph Bassey- follow on Twitter @akajoebass
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