Three more La Liga clubs were in European action on Thursday, with Celta Vigo, Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano all involved: Celta hosted Ligue 1 side Nice at Balaidos, Betis travelled to Belgium to take on Genk, while Rayo were in Sweden to face Hacken in the UEFA Conference League, as all three sought to build on victories last time out.
Celta Vigo strike late to see off 10-man Nice
Celta Vigo 2-1 Nice
Celta have made it back-to-back victories in the Europa League, having seen off Nice at Balaidos. It was a dream start for Claudio Giraldez’s side as Iago Aspas thundered home an excellent strike after two minutes, but they were pegged back soon after as former Real Sociedad winger Cho scored.
Jonathan Clauss was then sent off for Nice just before half time, and Celta made their man advantage tell on the 75th minute as substitute Borja Iglesias fired home the winner from close range.
Real Betis play out bore draw in Belgium
Genk 0-0 Real Betis
Betis continued their unbeaten start to the Europa League with a draw at Genk, although it is a match that neither side will want to remember for very long. Cedric Bakambu had the best chance minutes into the second half, but he fired wide following a fast break. The hosts almost won it late on themselves as Oh Hyun-gyu hit the post.
Late penalty saves Rayo Vallecano from shock defeat
Hacken 2-2 Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano have come away from Sweden with a potentially priceless point, having drawn against Hacken. They took the lead in the first half as Alvaro Garcia continued his excellent form, but the hosts equalised before the interval courtesy of Julius Lindberg.
Isak Brusberg would give Hacken the lead early in the second period, but in the 103rd minute, substitute Andrei Ratiu scored from the penalty spot to ensure a share of the spoils.
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