Levante vs Celta Vigo preview - Resino relishing Aspas return

Posted Saturday, April 27, 2013 by PA

Celta Vigo coach Abel Resino has highlighted the significance of striker Iago Aspas' return for the trip to Levante following a four-match suspension.

Celta's top scorer this season received the ban for head-butting Deportivo La Coruna defender Carlos Marchena in the 3-1 Galician derby defeat on March 15, which saw him sent-off.

Including that game, Celta have taken only four points since without Aspas, who has 10 Primera Division goals this term, and Resino is relishing the opportunity to have his star striker back.

"It's great news that Iago can return to the team, he's a very important player for us and we have been without him for far too long," the coach told a press conference.

"Having him on the pitch is a luxury, and if he plays tomorrow he is bound to give us a lift in quality."

Speaking to reporters, Aspas said he was ashamed of the incident.

"I feel I have a debt to my team-mates because I caused them a lot of damage in that match," he said.

"I owe the fans something too, because I represent a badge, the name of the club and a reputation and what I did was not dignified. I hope to learn from the mistake I made."

Celta's hopes of avoiding relegation were given a boost last Monday when they recorded their first win in seven games with a last gasp 2-1 victory over Real Zaragoza.

"We are at the top level to compete, now we have no excuses and we have to continue doing what we did last week, keep our heads up, and keep fighting 100 per cent," Resino said.

Levante coach Juan Ignacio Martinez believes his side will secure survival if they beat Celta, as it would take them to 43 points.

However, he warned his players that Celta would be fighting for their lives.

"We need to concentrate on ourselves, but they will come here with a knife between their teeth because they are fighting to stay up, along with many other teams," he told reporters.

Levante will be without suspended midfielder Pape Diop, while Celta's Park Chu-young will miss the game due to injury.