Vallejo Rescues Albacete in Dramatic Shootout Triumph

ALBACETE, SPAIN — Jesús Vallejo emerged as Albacete's unlikely hero, first rescuing his side with a dramatic 93rd-minute header before coolly converting the decisive penalty in a shootout that secured a 2-2 (3-2 on penalties) Copa del Rey victory over Celta Vigo at the Carlos Belmonte. The defender's towering header, assisted by Agus Medina's pinpoint cross, forced extra time after Celta appeared destined for victory, before Vallejo held his nerve from the spot to send the home faithful into raptures.

The match exploded into life in the 18th minute when Jefté Betancor rifled a right-footed shot from the right side of the box into the bottom left corner, finishing off Lorenzo Aguado's incisive through ball. Celta responded with authority, dominating possession and pinning Albacete back for long stretches. Yoel Lago restored parity in the 64th minute, powering a header from the centre of the box to the top left corner after Miguel Román's dangerous cross following a corner. Eleven minutes later, Borja Iglesias appeared to have sealed victory, prodding home from very close range after Óscar Mingueza's assist made it 2-1. But Vallejo had other ideas, rising majestically in stoppage time to level the contest and force an additional 30 minutes.

Extra time became a test of endurance and nerve. Celta Vigo controlled 64.3% possession throughout the match, creating more chances with 18 shots compared to Albacete's 12, yet both sides managed five shots on target apiece. Raúl Lizoain produced crucial saves for Albacete, denying Ilaix Moriba in the 114th minute and Manu Fernández in the 110th, while Iván Villar matched him save for save at the other end. The tactical battle intensified as Celta pressed forward, with Iago Aspas orchestrating attacks and Williot Swedberg probing down the flanks. Albacete's defensive resolve, marshalled by Vallejo and Javi Moreno, held firm through increasingly desperate Celta assaults.

Despite Celta's statistical dominance, including an 8-5 advantage in corners, they couldn't find the breakthrough that their superiority suggested. The visitors created the better chances in extra time, with Aspas missing narrowly in the 116th minute and Ferran Jutglà forcing another save from Lizoain. Both sides collected two yellow cards in a fiercely contested encounter that saw 15 fouls from Celta and 13 from Albacete, though the referee kept control without brandishing red.

The shootout provided the ultimate drama. Antonio Puertas converted Albacete's first penalty to the centre of the goal, before Óscar Mingueza struck the right post for Celta. Riki Rodríguez slotted home to the bottom left corner, then Lizoain saved brilliantly from Hugo Álvarez. Vallejo stepped up with ice in his veins, dispatching his penalty to the bottom left corner. When Aspas blazed his effort just over the crossbar, Albacete's remarkable comeback was complete.

Looking ahead, Albacete will travel to face Granada on December 21, while Celta Vigo travel to face Real Oviedo on December 20.