Spanish football giants Valencia CF bested a sometimes-listless Celta side 3-2 in a La Liga tie here on the strength of three marvelous goals.
The hosts, who sit 12th in La Liga, got off to a fast start in front of 30,000 fans at the Mestalla on Thursday, winning five corners in the first eight minutes and creating some anxious moments for the Celta defence, reports Efe.
But the balance shifted in favour of the visitors as the minutes passed and it was 10th-place Celta who struck first, on a set piece.
Wass delivered a free kick to Cabral, standing unmarked in front of the Valencia net, and the resulting header put the Galician side ahead 1-0 in the 16th minute.
The goal boosted Celta, who went on to generate a pair of chances before Valencia responded as the game passed the half-hour mark.
The equaliser came in the 38th minute, when Parejo scored with assists from Zaza and Cancelo.
Valencia remained in control for the rest of the first half, though Celta's Iago Aspas threatened in the final seconds before the whistle with a shot that sailed over the crossbar.
After the re-start, both teams showed signs of being content with a draw.
But while diligent on defence, Valencia was the more willing to attack, though Cancelo squandered a solid chance when he hit the post in the 60th minute.
Valencia pulled ahead eight minutes later as substitute Munir put the finishing touch to a beautiful collaboration among Parejo, Enzo Perez, and Lato.
Trying to protect the 2-1 lead, Carlos Soler brought down Aspas in the area in the 78th minute and the referee awarded the penalty, converted by Aspas to leave the score knotted at 2-2.
Unbowed, the hosts battled on and Soler redeemed himself, scoring with four minutes left in regulation to put Valencia ahead to stay.
--IANS
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