Giráldez hails Celta's stunning win at Celtic Park: "It will stay in the memory"

The night in Glasgow delivered a win that Celta Vigo fans will not forget anytime soon. Claudio Giráldez, the Galician side's head coach, said on Thursday that the victory at Celtic Park will remain etched in the memory of the club's supporters because his players produced an outstanding display on one of European football's grandest stages.

• Giráldez described the Glasgow performance as "superb" and "complete", with an aggressive team true to its identity.
• The recent LaLiga win over Alavés lifted the pressure and allowed the team to play with more freedom and belief in Europe.
• The coach especially valued the team's ability to respond after falling behind to an early Celtic goal.
• Javi Rodríguez, with a two-goal display, earned praise for his remarkable run of confidence.

Giráldez backs his players after a complete display at Celtic Park

The Celta boss insisted on the trust he has in his squad. For him, nights like this confirm that the team is on the right path, even when results have not always gone their way. He stressed that the players give everything every time they step onto the pitch, and that football sometimes rewards that commitment with victories like the one they secured in Scotland.

For Giráldez, the most valuable aspect of the evening was not just the scoreline but the manner in which the win was achieved. He called it a "very complete" performance, built on good ball movement, constant aggression and a clear demonstration of the identity he wants his side to show. Celtic Park, one of European football's most iconic venues, witnessed a mature version of the Vigo outfit.

How the Alavés win gave Celta a new lease of life

The head coach linked the level of performance in the Europa League with the relief that came from beating Alavés in their latest LaLiga outing. That domestic win took a weight off the team's shoulders, and they arrived in Scotland playing "calmer" and with greater belief in what they do. The shift in mentality was visible in the response after conceding the opening goal: rather than collapsing, Celta stayed true to their plan and turned the game around.

The comeback: a sign of faith and confidence

The match did not start in ideal fashion for the Spanish side. An early Celtic goal forced them to chase the game, and Giráldez admitted the strike came from a mistake that could have been defended better. But he was quick to point out that his team's response says a great deal about the group's mentality and the bond between the dressing room and the supporters.

Despite the 1-0, the team kept pushing. The comeback says a lot about the faith, the confidence and the soul this club has.

The ability to absorb an early blow and turn adversity into attacking football is, for the O Porriño-born coach, the real value of the night. Giráldez focused on the performance rather than the result, convinced that displays like this one strengthen the growth of the Celta project both in Spain and on the continental stage.

Javi Rodríguez: a goal-scoring defender full of belief

The standout figure of the match was Javi Rodríguez. The young defender scored both goals that sealed Celta's comeback in Glasgow and earned the warmest praise from his coach. Giráldez pointed out that the academy product's contract renewal and strong physical condition have given him an extra edge, translating into a more complete version of the player on the pitch.

For the coach, Rodríguez's finishing is above all a mental matter. "Scoring goals is always a mental thing, because when you're confident the goal looks bigger, and today he saw it as enormous," Giráldez explained, adding that what his player did in Scotland was impressive. A centre-back who joins attacks with purpose and finishes with the composure of a striker is a rare and valuable asset for this Celta side.

What this Europa League victory means for Celta Vigo

Winning at Celtic Park is a statement for any European team. Celtic, used to dominating their domestic competition and backed by a fanbase that turns the stadium into a cauldron, rarely drop points at home. For Celta to win on that ground reinforces the team's morale and confirms the progress of Giráldez's project, which is starting to see its style rewarded with commanding results.

The result is about more than three points: it feeds the excitement of a fanbase that can identify with this team while also seeing the competitive edge needed to fight in Europe. Giráldez's words reflect the calm of a coach working with a plan, and nights like the one in Glasgow are the best way to make that plan feel real.