Hristo Stoichkov's side went into the game knowing they had to win, or at least draw, and hope other results went their way to maintain their top-flight status.

It didn't start well with Pablo Redondo putting the visitors ahead, but Habib Bamogo equalised and Matias Lequi then scored to hand Celta a win which ultimately proved futile.

Victories for both Real Betis and Athletic Bilbao meant that Celta, who finished sixth last season, were consigned to the Segunda Division.

With so much to play for Celta were understandably tense in the opening stages and Getafe took control.

First Manu missed a great chance by blazing over the bar from just six yards and moments later Redondo also fired over from inside the area.

Bernd Schuster's side were continuing to put the nervous Celta defence under pressure and the inevitable happened as Redondo made amends for his earlier miss by putting Getafe ahead in the 25th minute.

After being found by David Cortes' inswinging free-kick, Redondo produced a fine finish past the helpless Celta keeper Jose Pinto.

The home side were left reeling by the goal and Getafe should have doubled their lead moments later, but Maris Verpakovskis was denied by a good block from Pinto.

Perez Nacho then wasted another fine chance to make it 2-0 as he blazed over from close range.

Getafe's wastefulness seemed to inspire Celta and they duly capitalised as Bamogo brought them level after 35 minutes with their first meaningful attack of the game.

Former Liverpool midfielder Antonio Nunez made a strong run down the left and produced a pinpoint cross for Bamogo, who coolly finished.

The visitors were shell-shocked as the Celta fans celebrated an equaliser which had looked unlikely.

Celta had all the momentum going into the second half, but it was once again Getafe who took control of proceedings with Manu firing over from distance.

The same player wasted yet another good opportunity minutes later as he fired another poor effort wide from close range.

Just as in the first half, Stoichkov's side looked to capitalise on the visitors' profligacy in front of goal and Gustavo Lopez came agonisingly close to giving them the lead with a 20-yard effort which cannoned off the post.

And with the tension mounting in the Estadio Balaidos, Lequi gave Celta's survival bid a massive boost as he put them ahead in the 66th minute.

Lopez found space down the left and crossed for Lequi who rose highest to nod past Condo Luis Garcia in the Getafe goal.

However, just as Celta had control of the match for the first time they nearly gave it away, as Valentin Pachon headed wide after ghosting into the box unmarked.

The home fans were celebrating, but news of Betis taking the lead away to Racing Santander soon filtered through the stadium.

Celta held on for the win, but it wasn't enough as they were relegated from the Primera Liga.