It seemed inevitable that when Aspas returned to the Celta Vigo line-up his impact would be immediate – his two goals in a 3-2 win over Villarreal on Saturday night confirming that suspicion. The 31-year-old forward from Moaña – across the bridge from Vigo – is arguably more important to his side than any other player in La Liga. Aspas may not wear the armband, but he is without question the emotional, and tangible leader of the club. So much so, that when the Spanish international went down with injury in December it left a vacuum within the squad, and instead of another player filling the void, it was as though Celta put their season on pause as they waited for his return. There was an overwhelming sense that without Aspas the club could not survive – their best player, and their most intrepid leader was the difference between a mid-table finish and a future in the Segunda. Aspas’ performance on Saturday saved Celta, for now; however, in spite of the buoyancy he provides, Celta still has a great deal of work todo – chasing Villarreal and Real Valladolid in their bid to stave off relegation.