Almeria loses to Celta Vigo and winless run hits 30 games in Spain

MADRID — Almeria’s record winless run hit 30 games after a late goal from Óscar Mingueza gave fellow relegation candidate Celta Vigo a 1-0 win in Galicia in the Spanish league on Friday.

Mingueza struck with a superb low shot from around 30 meters out in the 72nd minute, seven minutes after Almeria’s Bruno Langa was issued a straight red card for a foul on Jonathan Bamba.

Almeria remained on the bottom of the table. Its record so far this season read won none, drawn nine, lost 18.

“We are sad and hurting, that was a vital match,” midfielder Sergio Arribas said. “It was a final to get back on track and get out of relegation. Although (the situation) is very difficult, we are going to fight to the very end.”

The three points were vital for Celta in its bid to avoid the drop. The win lifted Rafael Benitez’s men one spot into 16th, six points above the relegation zone.