Soccer-Aspas inspires Celta comeback in thriller against Villarreal

Iago Aspas struck twice on his return from injury to earn Celta Vigo a crucial 3-2 win over Villarreal on Saturday, leaving them one point and one position behind their 17th-placed opponents in the La Liga standings. Early goals from Karl Toko Ekambi and Alfonso Pedraza put visitors Villarreal in control at Balaidos, before a stunning second-half turnaround earned Fran Escriba his first win as Celta coach.

Aspas, who last started a game in December before sustaining a calf injury, pulled one back early in the second half and Maxi Gomez headed in the equaliser. Former Liverpool striker Aspas won Celta the game from the penalty spot after Brais Mendez was fouled with four minutes left and he shed tears of emotion at the final whistle. (Reporting by Rik Sharma, editing by Ed Osmond)