Heartbreak in Seville: Kibet on Target but Celta Fall Short in Semi-Final Thriller
​The “Kibet Magic” nearly carried Celta Vigo to a historic national final, but a resilient Real Betis side managed to edge out the Sky Blues in a five-goal thriller on Wednesday evening. Despite the result, Kenyan international Aldrine Kibet once again proved he is a player for the grandest occasions, extending his incredible scoring run in Spanish youth football.
​A Dream Start
​Celta Vigo began the match with the same attacking intent that saw them demolish Montañeros last weekend. The early pressure paid dividends in the 14th minute when a forced error led to a Curro MacĂas own goal, putting Celta ahead.
​Just three minutes later, Kibet took center stage. Showcasing the elite movement that has become his trademark, the 19-year-old found space in the box to slot home in the 17th minute, doubling Celta’s lead and sending the traveling fans into a frenzy. It was Kibet’s third consecutive match with a goal, following his league strikes and his quarter-final heroics.
​The Betis Fightback
​However, Real Betis—playing in front of a passionate home crowd—refused to buckle. They managed to pull one back just before the halftime whistle through J. Morante, shifting the momentum going into the break.
​The second half proved to be a test of endurance. Betis leveled the scoring in the 71st minute through Rubén, and as the game looked destined for extra time, a late heartbreaker arrived. E. Fierro found the net in the 89th minute, completing the comeback and sealing Celta’s fate.
​”To score in a semi-final is a big moment, but it’s bittersweet when the result doesn’t go your way. We showed we belong at this level,” Kibet noted after the final whistle.
​Heads Held High
​While the Cup journey ends here, Kibet’s personal stock has never been higher. His performance in the tournament—which included a goal and an assist to sink Athletic Bilbao in the quarters—has reportedly intensified interest from Celta’s senior scouts.
​Celta Vigo Juvenil A must now shift their focus back to the league title race, where they sit just four points behind Deportivo La Coruña with a game in hand. If Kibet maintains this “Golden Touch,” a league trophy remains a very realistic possibility for the boys from Vigo.