Celta Vigo is set to host Rayo Vallecano at Balaidos Stadium this Sunday evening. The match is significant for both teams, with Celta currently sitting seventh in La Liga, level on points with sixth-placed Real Betis. Rayo Vallecano, on the other hand, occupies the 10th position, trailing their opponents by seven points.
Celta Vigo’s Recent Performance
Celta Vigo concluded last season in seventh place and has maintained that position this season. They have amassed 29 points from 19 matches, achieving a record of seven wins, eight draws, and four losses. The team is in good form, having won four and drawn one of their last five league encounters. Notably, they have secured six points from two games played in 2026, defeating Valencia 4-1 and Sevilla 1-0.
Challenges Ahead
Although Celta Vigo was eliminated from the Copa del Rey last month, they are still active in the Europa League. They currently find themselves in a challenging spot in their group, sitting 19th overall, four points behind eighth-placed Porto.
At home, Celta Vigo has only achieved two wins in La Liga this season. They aim for their third consecutive victory this weekend before focusing on an upcoming Europa League match against Lille.
Rayo Vallecano’s Outlook
Rayo Vallecano is also involved in European competitions, having reached the knockout stage of the Conference League. They were recently eliminated from the Copa del Rey, suffering a 2-0 loss to Alaves in the last-16 stage. Their recent form includes two wins from four matches played in 2026, highlighted by a 2-1 victory over Mallorca.
The capital side has struggled somewhat this season, holding a record of five wins, seven draws, and seven losses from 19 league matches, totaling 22 points. Historically, Rayo Vallecano has faced Celta Vigo 63 times, notching 22 wins, 21 losses, and 20 draws. Their previous encounter this season ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
Team News
- Celta Vigo: They may have a fully-fit squad, giving head coach Claudio Giraldez various options. Key player Borja Iglesias has scored seven goals in 18 league appearances.
- Rayo Vallecano: Senegalese midfielder Pathe Ciss is unavailable due to international duty. Additionally, Oscar Valentin is suspended, and several players are sidelined due to injury.
Possible Lineups
| Celta Vigo | Rayo Vallecano |
|---|---|
| Radu | Batalla |
| Alonso | Balliu |
| Starfelt | Lejeune |
| Rodriguez | Mendy |
| Carreira | Chavarria |
| Roman | Gumbau |
| Moriba | Diaz |
| Mingueza | A Garcia |
| Swedberg | Palazon |
| Iglesias | Martin |
| Zaragoza | De Frutos |
Match Prediction
This match presents a challenging prediction. Both teams are performing well this season. Celta has the advantage of playing at home, where they have drawn five of their ten league matches. The expectation leans towards another draw, similar to the earlier matchup this season.
