Villarreal Defeats Celta Vigo In La Liga Clash With US Star Involved
Villarreal secured a 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo in a tense La Liga match Sunday, with American midfielder Luca de la Torre playing a key role for the visitors. The game is trending in the US due to growing interest in American players abroad and its implications for European soccer standings.
The match at Estadio de la Cerámica saw Villarreal climb to sixth place in La Liga, keeping their Champions League hopes alive. Celta Vigo remains dangerously close to the relegation zone with five games remaining in the season.
De la Torre, the 27-year-old US national team regular, started for Celta Vigo and delivered an energetic 85-minute performance. His involvement has drawn American viewers to the match, with ESPN2 broadcasting the game live in the US.
The California-born midfielder nearly equalized in the 77th minute with a powerful strike that forced a spectacular save from Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen. His performance comes weeks before the USMNT's crucial Copa América preparations.
Villarreal's goals came from Alexander Sørloth (23') and Gerard Moreno (52'), while Celta's lone reply came via Jørgen Strand Larsen (68'). The result leaves Celta just three points above the drop zone, increasing pressure on manager Claudio Giráldez.
La Liga's tight relegation battle and Villarreal's European push have drawn international attention. With multiple Americans now playing in Spain's top flight, US soccer fans are increasingly tuning into late-season La Liga matches.
The match also marked Villarreal manager Marcelino GarcĂa Toral's 100th win with the club across two spells. His tactical adjustments in the second half proved decisive against a spirited Celta side.
Spanish league matches featuring US players have seen growing US viewership this season. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, American interest in European leagues continues to rise sharply.
Both teams return to action next weekend, with Villarreal visiting Real Sociedad and Celta hosting Athletic Bilbao in another high-stakes fixture. The relegation battle could come down to the final matchday in May.
