Celta Vigo return to Balaídos desperate to address their poor home form as they welcome an Athletic Club side that, while defensively solid, have struggled for consistency in recent weeks. The hosts come into this game boosted by a shock 2-0 away victory over Real Madrid last weekend, their fourth win in six La Liga matches, Softfootball reports.
That result highlighted Celta’s ability to rise to big occasions, but translating that form to home soil remains a major issue. They are still without a home league win this season, drawing five and losing three of their eight matches at Balaídos, while failing to keep a clean sheet in any of those games.
Confidence also took a knock in midweek European action, as Claudio Giráldez’s side surrendered a lead to lose 2-1 against Bologna in the UEFA Europa League. That defeat means Celta have now lost four of their last seven matches across all competitions, underlining the inconsistency that continues to undermine their progress.
With pressure mounting from the stands, this fixture represents a crucial opportunity to finally deliver a home win and stabilise their campaign.
Athletic Club arrive in Galicia with a reputation for resilience but recent results suggest their momentum has slowed. They were impressive defensively in midweek, holding Paris Saint-Germain to a goalless draw in the UEFA Champions League, extending their run to four clean sheets in five matches. That solidity has been key to their season so far, particularly in La Liga, where a narrow 1-0 win over Atlético Madrid last weekend lifted them to seventh place in the table.
However, Athletic’s overall form has been less convincing, with just two wins from their last six matches in all competitions. That run includes a heavy 4-0 defeat to Barcelona, which exposed attacking and defensive vulnerabilities when faced with high-intensity opposition.
Goals have been especially hard to come by, with just four scored across their last eight games, and only one arriving after half-time. Ernesto Valverde’s side will be keen to rediscover their cutting edge while maintaining the defensive discipline that has kept them competitive.
Team News
Celta Vigo will closely monitor the fitness of Bryan Zaragoza and Borja Iglesias, both of whom were forced off during the Europa League defeat to Bologna and remain injury doubts ahead of this clash. Their availability could be crucial given Celta’s struggles to control games at home. Ferran Jutglà remains an important attacking outlet, particularly as he has often delivered decisive contributions when chances fall his way.
Ahead of the game, Athletic Club shared via its official X handle, exclusive video of the players as they prepare to travel to Vigo. They posted:
Athletic Club appear to have no fresh injury concerns heading into the match. Dani Vivian is expected to feature at the back but will need to tread carefully, as he is one booking away from suspension. With goals in short supply, Valverde may once again prioritise structure and discipline while hoping his forwards can be more clinical when opportunities arise.
Possible Lineups
Celta Vigo possible starting lineup:
Radu; Alonso, Starfelt, Rodriguez; Rueda, Roman, Moriba, Mingueza; Alvarez, Iglesias, Aspas
Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:
Simon; Gorosabel, Paredes, Vivian, Lekue; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; Berenguer, Sancet, N Williams; Guruzeta
SoftFootball Prediction
Celta’s struggles at home contrast sharply with Athletic’s defensive reliability, but the visitors’ recent lack of goals could keep this contest finely balanced. If Celta can start strongly and avoid conceding first, they may finally have a chance to end their home drought. However, Athletic’s ability to manage games and punish mistakes gives them a slight edge in what is likely to be a tight affair.
Prediction: Celta Vigo 1-1 Athletic Club
