The biggest contribution in the very early stages was a defensive one, as Sevilla captain Nemanja Gudelj made a vital interception to cut out Iago Aspas’ pass, which would otherwise have put Ilaix Moriba clean through.
Yet it was Celta who registered the first shot on target anyway, as Bryan Zaragoza forced Odysseas Vladochimos into a smart stop, having mounted a rapid counter-attack with Aspas.
Despite some promising attacking moves, the final ball was lacking in the first half for Sevilla, who had a reasonable penalty appeal for Carl Starfelt’s challenge on Kike Salas waved away.
Shortly after that moment, Javi Rodriguez’s tame effort rolled straight into Vlachodimos’ grateful gloves, with Celta, who came into this match three points off sixth-placed Real Betis, probably the more frustrated of the two sides heading into half-time based on the chances that had been created.
Quality remained in short supply during the early second-half minutes, leading both managers to make a double substitution, which included the introduction of two iconic forwards that received contrasting receptions, with Alexis Sanchez coming on for Sevilla and former Betis man Borja Iglesias emerging from the Celta dugout.
However, the Sevilla faithful soon turned their contempt towards the officials after what they deemed to be a foul by Oscar Mingueza on Lucien Agoume, but their howls of anger fell on deaf ears.
The hosts were then forced into an unplanned change when Ruben Vargas – who had come on less than 10 minutes earlier – pulled up and left the field in tears, with Adnan Januzaj taking his place.
Celta continued to probe towards the end, with Williot Swedberg shooting straight at Vlachodimos in an inviting position, after being found by a wonderful scooped pass from former Chelsea man Marcos Alonso, before Vlachodimos pulled off an excellent double save to deny Swedberg and Moriba.
The Greek goalkeeper was eventually beaten though, as Oso was penalised for treading on Moriba’s foot, with Alonso converting the resulting penalty
Flashscore Man of the Match: Marcos Alonso (Celta Vigo)