Celta Vigo vs. Real Valladolid: Final score 3-1, Aspas fires Celta to a win

Celta Vigo kicked off 2013 with an upset of Real Valladolid, downing the Pucela 3-1 behind a brace from Iago Aspas.

Celta Vigo took the lead in the 8th minute thanks to the first of Aspas two goals. The 25-year-old received a through ball from Michael Krohn-Dehli getting behind Valladolid's high defensive line. Aspas took a touch and then put a shot past Dani Hernadez in to the upper right corner.

Celta's good start was wiped out just three minutes later after goalkeeper Javi Varas made a mess of what should have been an easy clearance. Javi Guerra was lurking in the box and jumped on the mistake forcing Varas to make a desperate lunge that brought Guerra down and gave Valladolid a penalty. Alberto Bueno stepped up to the spot and scored to even the match a goal apiece.

The rest of the half was an entertaining back and forth affair but it was Celta who finally broke through to take the lead before halftime. The referee determined that Valladolid defender Mikel Balanziaga pushed Aspas in the box as he attempted to go get on the end of a cross. There didn't appear to be much contact but the penalty was awarded none the less.

Aspas took the penalty and scored but a Celta teammate was called for encroachment, forcing a retake of the penalty. Aspas settled himself and scored on the second attempt giving Os Celestes a 2-1 lead at the break.

Celta added a third goal seven minutes in to the second half when Álex López beat Dani with a wicked shot from 25-yards out that tucked itself happily in the top corner.

The home side with stood some heavy pressure with Varas making several good saves to preserve the win. Celta moves up to 15th place with the win while Valladolid remains in 11th, pending the outcome of today's later matches.