Softfootball understands that Celta Vigo and Osasuna meet on Friday evening at Balaídos, with both sides eager to get back to winning ways in La Liga, though their objectives differ slightly heading into the contest.
Speaking ahead of the game, Osasuna’s head coach expresses how ready the team is to face Celta Vigo in a recent press conference posted by the club via their official X account.
Watch the video below:
The hosts are firmly in the hunt for European qualification and currently sit seventh in the table on 33 points, just one behind Espanyol in sixth and two adrift of Real Betis. Osasuna, meanwhile, occupy ninth place with 26 points and are trying to close the gap on the top eight after a steady run of form.
Celta Vigo recently defeated Real madrid 2-0 in La Lliga but their momentum has slowed in recent weeks. Claudio Giráldez’s men have taken just one point from their last two league matches, falling to Real Sociedad before being held by Getafe.
While their home form has not been dominant, three wins from 11 matches, they have remained difficult to beat at Balaídos, suffering only three defeats there all season.
That resilience at home could prove decisive, especially against an Osasuna side that has struggled on their travels. Los Rojillos have managed just one away win in the league this term and hold one of the division’s weakest away records.
Still, the visitors arrive with renewed confidence. Alessio Lisci’s side have collected seven points from their last three outings, registering wins over Real Oviedo and Rayo Vallecano before earning a credible 2-2 draw with high-flying Villarreal. Their recent performances suggest they will not make things easy for Celta.
Historically, this fixture has slightly favoured the hosts. Osasuna, who recently lost 2-0 to Barcelona ,have won only one of the last four meetings, losing three, including a narrow 3-2 defeat in earlier this season.
With European places in sight for Celta and top-half ambitions alive for Osasuna, this shapes up to be a tightly contested battle.
Team News
Celta could welcome back Mihailo Ristic after illness ruled him out last time, providing a small boost to Giráldez’s defensive options. The coach is expected to stick largely with the same XI and maintain his preferred 3-4-3 shape.
Williot Swedberg should continue to feature in the front line, while Borja Iglesias remains the focal point in attack. The striker has delivered eight goals and two assists in 20 league appearances and will again shoulder the scoring responsibility.
Osasuna will be without Iker Benito, who remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury, while Lucas Torró is suspended after accumulating bookings. His absence is likely to hand Moi Gómez a starting role in midfield.
Ante Budimir continues to lead the line after an impressive campaign so far, with 10 goals in 21 matches, making him the visitors’ main threat in the final third.
Possible Lineups
Celta Vigo:
Radu; Rodriguez, Starfelt, Alonso; Carreira, Roman, Moriba, Mingueza; Lopez, Iglesias, Swedberg
Osasuna:
Herrera; Rosier, Boyomo, Catena, Galan; Moncayola, M Gomez; Munoz, Ruben Garcia, Moro; Budimir
Prediction
Celta’s home solidity and stronger overall squad depth give them a slight edge, especially against an Osasuna side that rarely travels well. However, the visitors’ recent form suggests they can compete and possibly get on the scoresheet. Expect a close contest with moments at both ends, but Celta’s attacking quality should prove decisive.
