celtavigo

Celta Vigo  completed a fine first season back in the Primera Liga with a home win against Getafe on Saturday night.

Celta, who are assured of at least sixth place in the top flight and a spot in next season's UEFA Cup, have been one of the surprise packages this year.

Having won promotion last summer, the Galicians were expected to settle for a period of consolidation. But they have done much better than that, even threatening to claim a Champions League spot until a late slump saw the drop out of the top four.

They at least had the satisfaction of finishing with a win, Pablo Andres Contreras's 24th-minute goal earning the home side all three points against a Getafe team who finished with 10 men following the late dismissal of Mariano Pernia.

Celta bossed the first half but only had Contreras's goal to show for their efforts.

Fabian Canobbio had their first chance but the effort, which was set up by a David Silva throw in, was well saved by Luis Garcia.

The hosts' next opportunity resulted in the goal.

Gustavo Lopez whipped in a corner and Contreras got to the ball first to power a header past Luis Garcia.

Lopez almost created a second in first-half injury time but Canobbio shot wide from inside the penalty area.

The second half opened in similar fashion, with Celta on top.

Substitute Jonathan saw his effort saved by Luis Garcia before Lopez's free-kick crashed into the defensive wall.

It took 57 minutes for mid-table Getafe to register an effort on goal although it should have resulted in an equaliser.

Ivan Riki crossed for Daniel Guiza but his shot from inside the six-yard box was well smothered by Jose Manuel Pinto.

Celta survived the scare and almost made it 2-0 minutes later but David Silva's header was off target.

Pernia was to be an influential figure in the final half hour.

He came close to a goal on three occasions before picking up two yellow cards in five minutes late on.

His first chance, which came after 60 minutes, was blocked by the defence, the second saved by Pinto, and the third again kept out by the determination of the Celta back four.

Then came the second of his two indiscretions and the subsequent red.

Celta nearly capitalised on their numerical superiority in injury time but Jonathan was unable to make it 2-0.