KARL WHITEHOUSE REPORTS ON WOLVES PRESEASON DEFEAT TO CELTA VIGO
Wolves played their final preseason game at Molineux against Celta Vigo, hoping to bounce back after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Girona in Spain. Despite the defeat, Wolves showed some promise in that match, but a much better performance was needed this time. Celta Vigo, who finished 7th in La Liga last season, faced two former players—Jorgen Strand Larsen and Fer Lopez—both familiar with the club.
Wolves and Celta Vigo have met twice before in preseason friendlies. In August 2021, Wolves lost 1-0, and back in August 2014, the match ended 1-1.
For this fixture, manager Vitor Pereira started three new summer signings, making their debuts at Molineux.
Wolves Starting XI: Sa, Hoever, Doherty, Agbadou, Toti, Wolfe, Joao Gomes, Andre, Arias, Lopez, Strand Larsen.
Substitutes: Bentley, Johnstone, H. Bueno, S. Bueno, Munetsi, Hwang, Mosquera, Kalajdzic, R. Gomes, Chirewa, Bellegarde, Mane, Lima.
Joao Gomes captained the side, making him the fourth different captain in preseason.
Before kickoff, there was a moment of silence to remember Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who both recently lost their lives in a car accident.
FIRST HALF
Wolves started the game well, keeping possession and moving the ball with confidence. However, mistakes began to creep in, allowing Celta Vigo to create chances. Jose Sa was called into action several times early on, making important saves to keep Wolves in the match.
David Moller Wolfe, making his debut, nearly had to leave the game after a heavy challenge but managed to continue.
In the 18th minute, Wolves fans paid tribute to Diogo Jota by applauding in recognition of his shirt number.
Fer Lopez created a good opportunity against his former club, setting up Jhon Arias, but Arias’s shot went straight to the goalkeeper—the team’s best chance of the first half.
Celta Vigo targeted Wolves’ right side, repeatedly exposing a known weakness. As half-time approached, Wolves’ defenCe gave the ball away, leading to a dangerous chance that Toti nearly put into his own net, but Jose Sa reacted quickly to prevent a goal—a lucky escape.
Celta Vigo looked the stronger side, creating more and better opportunities. Near the end of the half, Moller Wolfe provided a great cross for Strand Larsen, who headed over the bar from a difficult position.
Second Half
Wolves made one change at halftime, bringing on Hugo Bueno for David Moller Wolfe. Both teams started the half slowly, with few chances and little action for either goalkeeper.
Hugo Bueno made an impact on the left, sending in a good cross to Strand Larsen, but the Celta Vigo keeper was equal to it. Celta Vigo continued to press and eventually broke the deadlock. Fran Beltran delivered a cross that found Duran between Agbadou and Doherty. Duran volleyed into the bottom corner, with Jose Sa getting a touch but unable to keep it out. Wolves found themselves behind once again in preseason.
Wolves pushed for an equaliser. Agbadou had a chance from a Bellegarde corner, but his effort was saved. Bueno created another opportunity for Strand Larsen, but the header went off target.
Celta Vigo almost doubled their lead when a high press forced an error, but their shot went wide with Sa out of his goal. Late in the match, substitute Sasa Kalajdzic tried to create chances, but the angles were too tight and the Celta Vigo defence held firm.
Celta Vigo held on to claim a 1-0 win, repeating the result from their previous friendly against Wolves.
Conclusion
Preseason is now finished for Wolves. The team played six games, drawing two and losing four. There is plenty to think about before the season starts.
Wolves struggled with identity, intensity, and teamwork at times. Defensive mistakes and a lack of creativity, especially at right wing-back, are big concerns. The team needs someone in that position who can create chances, as Wolves have lost goals and assists from last season and have not replaced that quality.
Vitor Pereira is still searching for solutions. Three new players have arrived, but the squad is still short on numbers. Wolves need at least three to five more signings to be truly competitive.
There are positives—some players have the quality and mentality required. To succeed, Wolves must press well and work together, especially in a league where rivals have strengthened their squads. Fixing these issues is possible, but time is running out. With the transfer window still open, fans must wait and see what happens next.
ARTICLE BY KARL WHITEHOUSE
I’ve been a dedicated Wolves fan for over 30 years, supporting the team through the highs and lows of the 80s, 90s, and 00s. I’ve followed them home and away, growing my love for the game into a passion for analysing Wolves’ performances, especially diving into the stats behind their Premier League matches.
I also love exploring football history for deeper insights. One of my proudest achievements is completing the journey to all 92 Football League grounds.