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By Andreas Vou (@AndreasVou89)

A 4-1 dismantling of FC Barcelona in Week Five of La Liga demonstrated Celta Vigo’s attacking ability, but few believed they possessed the all-round quality to sustain those levels and mount a serious push for Europe.

Celta, blessed with a fine attacking trio of Fabian Orellana, Iago Aspas and Nolito, full of flair, pace and quality finishing, have been pivotal in their rise this campaign. Yet, few sides can achieve sustained success without a solid spine, and Eduardo Berizzo has exactly that in Sergio Alvarez, Gustavo Cabral and Augusto Fernandez. They have managed to come away with some big wins away at fellow European contenders Sevilla and Villarreal, to add to that historic win over Barça.

Going into the Christmas break, Celta occupied fourth spot, just two points behind Real Madrid in third and are showing no sign of letting up. Even a defeat to Athletic failed to sour their stunning season so far. With one of the division’s most modest budgets, Celta have a limited squad to work with and so the injury to star man Nolito last week comes as a major blow, one that could have significant consequences on their attempt to hold down fourth spot. 

The early signs are good – they passed their first test without the Spanish international with flying colors, managing a 0-2 win over Granada on the weekend, and the injury, oddly, could be a blessing in disguise. The ex-Barça man is attracting interest from a number of top teams, including Arsenal and his former club. His injury is expected to keep him out at least until mid-January, which could just be enough time to deter potential suitors from making a move. 

Celta have lost just four games so far this campaign, and while losing to Real Madrid, Athletic and Valencia could be digested, the one against Galician neighbors Deportivo is one that is still being rued, but their rivals are launching a shock European push of their own.

The last time Celta reached the Champions League was in the 2002-03 season, Deportivo were coming to the end of their glory years in Spain and Europe. Depor won the league title in 2000, followed by two consecutive second and third-place finishes respectively. From then on, however, the team gradually slumped and were eventually relegated in 2012, promoted the next year, then relegated again in 2014. 

After bouncing back the following year, an inconceivable fightback from 2-0 down against FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou on the final day of last season kept them in the division. But rather than another relegation scrap, things are finally looking up for Depor – their recent repeat of last season’s heroics at Camp Nou, coming back from two goals down to earn a point at again, saw them sit in sixth place. Athletic Club’s win over Celta moved Depor to seventh however, still, it’s not to be scoffed at.

And they have been doing it all season against the big teams so far – Deportivo have yet to lose against Sevilla, Atletico Madrid, Athletic Club, Valencia or Barcelona. Their last win over Eibar on Saturday put them within just nine points of last year’s total tally after just 16 matches. Scorer of Depor’s first in their recent 2-0 win was Lucas Perez, whose performances are beginning to turn heads in Spain and beyond.

Jamie Vardy’s feats have gained global attention for going from non-league football to the top of the Premier League scoring charts in just four years and, this season, set a new record for scoring in 12 straight games in England’s top division, and Perez’s unconventional career path is beginning to draw parallels with the Leicester City striker.

Until just four years ago, Perez was playing for Rayo Vallecano B in the fourth tier of Spanish football, followed by spells in Ukraine and Greece. He only returned to Spain last year, when Deportivo loaned the 27-year-old for six months. After impressing in his short spell, he was signed on a permanent basis for an estimated $1.5million, and it would be fair to say that Depor are getting a lot more than they bargained for. 

His goal in Saturday’s win over Eibar from the penalty spot means he has now scored in seven consecutive games, equaling the club record set by legendary Brazilian striker Bebeto back in 1993. With 12 goals this season, he is the league’s third top scorer behind Barça pair Luis Suarez and Neymar with 13 and 14 respectively. Perez is flirting with the elite of the division, as so is his team.

Europe certainly was not an objective for either of Celta or Deportivo before the season began but their impressive starts have given the Galicians hope of a return to continental football.