| Details of the match | information |
| competition | La Liga – (Spain) |
| Ronda | 18 |
| Date and time | 03/01/2026, 14:00 – (Includes BST/GMT time zone). |
| stadium | Balaídos Stadium |
Prediction – Celta de Vigo 1 – 1 Valencia
Recent form
As Celta de Vigo prepare to host Valencia at the Balaídos Stadium, the momentum of the two teams seems to contrast based on their recent performances. Celta de Vigo’s last five league games have been a mixed bag, culminating in one win, one draw and three defeats. Notably, their only win came at home against Athletic Club with a solid 2-0 scoreline, showing their ability to capitalize on home advantage. However, they have struggled on the road and against other opponents, as evidenced by defeats to Real Madrid, Espanyol and Deportivo Alavés without scoring a single goal in those games. This inconsistency highlights potential vulnerabilities, particularly in his attacking play and form away from home. In contrast, Valencia seem to have acquired a more positive momentum, remaining unbeaten in their last five league games. They had a remarkable away win against Atlético Madrid, which suggests a resilient team capable of playing under pressure. Furthermore, their ability to secure draws against the likes of Mallorca and Sevilla, while managing a narrow win against Levante, indicates a degree of stability and tenacity. Valencia’s consistent ability to score in every game, albeit often just once, suggests they have a reliable attacking threat. Given their recent form, Valencia can go into the match with a psychological advantage, having proved their mettle against tougher opponents and maintaining an unbeaten run. However, Celta Vigo’s performance at home to Athletic Club could serve as a reminder of their potential to challenge Valencia, especially when they play at Balaídos.
Celta de Vigo Last 5 league games
| Teams | result | Red cards | Yellow cards | corners | free tits | possession | Assistance |
| Real Oviedo Vs Celta Vigo | 0-0 | 0 – 0 | 2-1 | 4-3 | 7-14 | 56% – 44% | 0 – 0 |
| Celta de Vigo Vs Athletic Club | 2-0 | 0 – 0 | 3-2 | 1-4 | 13-10 | 50% – 50% | 1-0 |
| Real Madrid vs Celta de Vigo | 2-0 | 3-0 | 6-1 | 8-1 | 12-6 | 58% – 42% | 0-2 |
| Celta Vigo Vs Espanyol | 0-1 | 0 – 0 | 1-2 | 4-3 | 15-12 | 61% – 39% | 0-1 |
| Deportivo Alavés Vs Celta de Vigo | 1-0 | 0 – 0 | 2-2 | 4-2 | 15-20 | 52% – 48% | 0 – 0 |
Celta Vigo’s recent La Liga performances have been a bit of a mixed bag, highlighting both resilience and areas that need improvement. In the last five league games, Celta have managed one win, one draw and three defeats. His most notable performance came against Athletic Club, where he secured a 2-0 home win. This match showed their ability to capitalize on key moments as they converted chances efficiently despite having fewer corners and an equal share of possession. The win was a testament to their discipline and ability to execute a solid game plan, with an assist reflecting effective teamwork in the final third. However, Celta’s struggles are evident in their inability to find the back of the net consistently, as seen in games against Real Madrid, Espanyol and Deportivo Alavés where they failed to score. The match against Real Madrid particularly highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities and inability to maintain possession, as they were dominated in both shooting and ball control. Despite Real Madrid’s three red cards, Celta were unable to capitalize on their numerical advantage, indicating a possible lack of creativity and killer instinct up front. The injury to Borja Iglesias, a key offensive presence, further exacerbates these offensive challenges. With Iglesias out with a back injury, the pressure is on for forwards like Ferran Jutglà and Bryan Zaragoza to step up. The projected lineup suggests a balanced lineup, with an emphasis on solidifying the midfield through players like Fran Beltrán and Miguel Román, who are tasked with anchoring the team’s transition game. Celta’s defensive line-up, with Carl Starfelt, Manu Fernández and Marcos Alonso, will have to be alert, given their recent lapses in concentration. The team’s focus in their next game is likely to be on maintaining a tight defensive structure while looking to capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities. The presence of young talent like Williot Swedberg provides a dynamic edge that could prove crucial in breaking down opposing defences. All in all, Celta Vigo’s recent form suggests that they will look to strengthen their defensive solidity and improve their efficiency in front of goal to face the challenges of their upcoming matches.
Valencia Last 5 league games
| Teams | result | Red cards | Yellow cards | corners | free tits | possession | Assistance |
| Valencia vs Mallorca | 1-1 | 0 – 0 | 2-3 | 12-3 | 12-10 | 71% – 29% | 1-1 |
| Atlético de Madrid vs Valencia | 1-2 | 0 – 0 | 3-1 | 5-7 | 11-13 | 46% – 54% | 1-1 |
| Valencia vs Sevilla | 1-1 | 0 – 0 | 3-6 | 2-2 | 18-12 | 48% – 52% | 1-0 |
| Rayo Vallecano Vs Valencia | 1-1 | 0 – 0 | 1-1 | 10-5 | 9-11 | 56% – 44% | 1-0 |
| Valencia Vs Levant | 1-0 | 0 – 0 | 4-4 | 7-0 | 15-16 | 59% – 41% | 1-0 |
Valencia’s recent form in La Liga shows a team that is resilient and competitive, but struggles to turn draws into wins on a consistent basis. In their last five league games, they have registered one win and four draws, indicating a solid defensive set-up but a lack of cutting edge in front of goal. It should be noted that their ability to maintain possession is evident in their matches against Mallorca and Atlético de Madrid, where they dominated the ball with 71% and 54% of possession, respectively. This control, however, has not always translated into decisive victories, as seen in the draws against Mallorca, Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano. Defensively, Valencia have been disciplined, avoiding red cards in all five games and keeping their number of yellow cards relatively low. Their backline, probably made up of José Copete, César Tárrega, Thierry Correia and José Gayà, has been fundamental in maintaining structure and resilience. The team’s ability to win from set pieces, demonstrated by their superior corner count against Mallorca and Levante, suggests an area of potential strength that could be exploited against opponents. However, the absence of goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski through injury could be a vulnerability, making Julen Agirrezabala’s performance crucial in goal. The midfield trio formed by André Almeida, Luis Rioja and Pepelu is fundamental to Valencia’s strategy, offering creativity and defensive cover. His ability to control the pace and transition the ball effectively will be vital to support strikers Hugo Duro and Lucas Beltrán, who need to be more clinical in front of goal. With just one goal in four of their last five games, the attacking duo must take chances more efficiently to ease the pressure on the defense and achieve more positive results. Overall, Valencia’s projected line-up suggests a balanced team capable of competing with strong opponents. The team’s recent performances highlight their ability to compete with the top teams, as demonstrated in their win over Atlético de Madrid. However, to move up the league table, they need to convert possession and defensive solidity into more goals. As they prepare to face their next opponent, this focus on attacking efficiency, along with maintaining their defensive discipline, will be critical to securing a favorable result.
Team news and injuries
Injuries and suspensions of Celta de Vigo
- Borja Iglesias (Back Injury)
Injuries and suspensions of Valencia
- Stole Dimitrievski (torn muscle fiber in the adductor area)
Head-to-head (H2H) registration and summary.
H2H Last 5
| Teams | result | Red cards | Yellow cards | corners | free tits | possession | Assistance |
| Celta Vigo Vs Valencia | N/A | 0 – 0 | 1-2 | 5-2 | 17-9 | 46% – 54% | 2-1 |
| Celta Vigo Vs Valencia | N/A | 0 – 0 | 3-0 | 4-7 | 0 – 0 | 49% – 51% | 2-1 |
| Celta Vigo Vs Valencia | N/A | 0 – 0 | 0 – 0 | 2-2 | 0 – 0 | 54% – 46% | 1-0 |
| Celta Vigo Vs Valencia | N/A | 0 – 0 | 3-2 | 5-7 | 0 – 0 | 55% – 45% | 0 – 0 |
| Celta Vigo Vs Valencia | N/A | 0-1 | 3-4 | 5-4 | 0 – 0 | 64% – 36% | 1-2 |
Detailed H2H analysis
Celta Vigo and Valencia have developed a competitive rivalry, with their head-to-head matches revealing intriguing patterns. Historically, the matches have been closely contested, often characterized by a balanced possession battle and a disciplined approach to the game, with a minimum of red cards. Although Celta Vigo often enjoy a slight advantage in possession, as seen in several games where they dominated with more than 50% possession, Valencia proved resilient, taking advantage of their tactical play and chance creation. The data shows a mixed record of yellow cards, indicating that both teams maintain a combative but controlled style of play. Celta’s marginal advantage in assists in these games suggests a slight edge in their ability to convert possession into goalscoring opportunities, a trend they will look to continue. The next match at the Estadio de Balaídos promises to be another tactical affair, influenced by the current dynamics of the squad. Celta Vigo are facing the absence of Borja Iglesias with a back injury, which could affect their attacking options. However, the inclusion of players like Ferran Jutglà and Bryan Zaragoza could compensate with their creative and offensive ability. On the other hand, Valencia will miss Stole Dimitrievski due to a muscle fiber tear, which could affect their defensive stability. However, their expected line-up retains a core of experienced defenders such as José Gayà and Thierry Correia, who are likely to be instrumental in maintaining their defensive form. These injury limitations and lineup configurations could be crucial in determining whether Celta can capitalize on their possession advantage and whether Valencia can capitalize on any defensive mistakes. As both teams look to assert themselves in this La Liga clash, historical patterns suggest a closely fought game, with both teams capable of tipping the scales in their favour.
Expected lineups
- Formation: 3-4-3
- Players: Ionuț Radu (Goalkeeper), Carl Starfelt (Defender), Manu Fernández (Defender), Marcos Alonso (Defender), Sergio Carreira (Midfielder), Fran Beltrán (Midfielder), Miguel Román (Midfielder), Javi Rueda (Midfielder), Ferran Jutglà (Forward), Bryanio Zaragoza (Forward)
- Formation: 4-4-2
- Players: Julen Agirrezabala (Goalkeeper), José Copete (Defender), César Tárrega (Defender), Thierry Correia (Defender), José Gayà (Defender), André Almeida (Midfielder), Luis Rioja (Midfielder), Pepelu (Midfielder), Filip Ugrinic (Midfielder), Hugo Duro (Midfielder), Hugo Duro (Attack), Lucas Beltrán (Attack)

