Gelabert's Late Strike Seals Dramatic Victory for Sporting

César Gelabert emerged as Sporting Gijón's unlikely hero, drilling home a dramatic 89th-minute winner that sent El Molinón into raptures. The midfielder's perfectly-timed strike secured a vital 1-0 victory over Granada in a Segunda División encounter that seemed destined for stalemate. With the home crowd roaring their approval, Gelabert's late intervention provided the breakthrough that had eluded both sides for nearly 90 minutes of tactical chess.

The decisive moment arrived just as Granada appeared to have weathered Sporting's late pressure. Gelabert found space on the edge of the area and unleashed a precise effort that nestled into the bottom corner, giving the visiting goalkeeper no chance. The goal capped a frantic final period where both teams had thrown caution to the wind in search of three points. The celebration was immediate and euphoric, with Gelabert mobbed by teammates as the home supporters erupted in the stands.

The tactical battle unfolded as a cagey midfield affair, with both sides prioritizing defensive solidity over attacking flair. Granada's compact 4-4-2 formation frustrated Sporting's attempts to penetrate through the middle, forcing the hosts to rely on wide play and set pieces. Pablo Vázquez and Diego Sanchez both picked up early bookings for Sporting as they struggled to break down Granada's disciplined defensive structure, while the visitors looked to hit on the counter-attack.

Despite controlling 52.6% of possession, Sporting managed just five shots on target compared to Granada's two, highlighting the defensive nature of the encounter. The hosts registered 15 total attempts to Granada's seven, but clear-cut chances remained at a premium throughout. Both teams committed numerous fouls - 14 for Sporting and 10 for Granada - as the midfield battle intensified, with neither side able to establish sustained periods of dominance.

The turning point came in the 81st and 82nd minutes when Granada coach made a triple substitution, introducing Pablo Sáenz, Manu Trigueros, and Pau Casadesús in a desperate attempt to find a winner. However, the tactical reshuffle disrupted Granada's defensive rhythm and created the space that Gelabert would exploit just seven minutes later. Sergio Ruiz's 76th-minute yellow card had already signaled Granada's growing frustration as time ticked away.

Sporting Gijón will look to build on this momentum when they face their next Segunda División opponents, while Granada must regroup quickly for their upcoming fixture. The victory provides crucial points for Sporting in their campaign, while Granada will rue their inability to capitalize on a disciplined defensive performance that deserved at least a point.