West Ham United emerged victorious in the Betway Cup against Celta Vigo after a thrilling 2-2 draw that led to a nail-biting penalty shootout. The match got off to an exciting start with Jarrod Bowen scoring the opener for West Ham United on a beautifully crafted pass from Lucas Paquetá. Despite the Irons initially dominating the game, Celta Vigo managed to equalize through Mihailo. Paquetá then showcased his skills with a lobbed finish to put West Ham back in the lead. However, Celta Vigo fought back in the second half, with Pablo Durán scoring to make it 2-2.
The game eventually went to a penalty shootout, where Aaron Cresswell, James Ward-Prowse, Tomáš Souček, Nayef Aguerd, Maximilian Kilman, and Luis Guilherme all converted their penalties for West Ham United. Celta Vigo’s Durán missed his penalty, allowing West Ham United to clinch the victory and lift the Betway Cup.
In a strategic move, Head Coach Lopetegui started summer signing Guido Rodríguez in midfield while having Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Füllkrug on the substitutes bench. The match saw both teams battling for possession, with Mohammed Kudus losing the ball early on but West Ham responding swiftly with a goal from Bowen. Despite Celta Vigo equalizing, West Ham United continued to press forward, with Paquetá finding the back of the net to regain the lead.
The second half saw a slower pace, with both teams looking for opportunities to score. Celta Vigo managed to level the score once again through Durán, leading to a tense final few minutes. With penalties needed to determine the winner, West Ham United held their nerve and secured the Betway Cup.
The victory in the Betway Cup serves as a morale boost for West Ham United as they head into the upcoming 2024/25 season. The team displayed resilience and determination throughout the match, showcasing their potential for the upcoming challenges. The performance of key players like Bowen, Paquetá, and the solid defensive display bodes well for the team’s future prospects.
Overall, the Betway Cup final was a thrilling encounter that highlighted the competitive spirit of both West Ham United and Celta Vigo. With the new season on the horizon, West Ham United will be looking to build on this success and continue their winning momentum as they aim for further achievements in the upcoming campaign.
