Nolito scored an 84th-minute winner to guide Celta Vigo to a 2-1 win over Sporting Gijon in their La Liga clash this evening.
The home side took the lead in the 16th minute when Fabian Orellana latched onto a low cross into the box and sent his effort past Ivan Cuellar.
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Theo Bongonda had the chance to extend his side's advantage when he raided into the left-inside channel, but his strike at goal was tame and saved with ease by Cuellar.
Gijon thought they had come back into the match when Ismael Lopez Blanco turned the ball into the net, only to see his strike ruled out for offside.
However, the home side were to take the lead in the 84th minute when Nolito bundled an effort home from close range
Celta pressed again before the break when Bongonda latched on to Pablo Hernandez's cross, but he could only blast his effort over the crossbar from close range.
In the second half, Gijon levelled the game when Carlos Castro pounced on a loose ball in the box and drilled his strike past the outstretched hand of Sergio Alvarez.
The visitors had a good opportunity to press ahead when Castro was played through down the right, but he could only fire his effort past the post.
However, the home side were to win the contest when Nolito blocked Cuellar's attempted clearance and the ball bounced towards the line before nestling into the bottom corner.
Nolito almost notched a second goal to put the game beyond doubt, only to see his strike rattle the crossbar, although Celta held out to clinch the three points.
The result lifts Celta back into the top four, while Sporting Gijon remain in 15th place.
Simon Sinclair
