Match Overview
Celta Vigo welcome Valencia in a La Liga matchup that pits a controlled possession side against a compact, disciplined opponent. Celta have leaned on structure and defensive order in recent weeks, while Valencia arrive drawing plenty of tight games as they fight to climb from the lower reaches of the table. The last meeting ended 2-1 to Valencia, and their head-to-head trend points to competitive, lower-scoring contests. Expect a tactical battle over territory and transitions rather than an end-to-end shootout.
- Fixture: Celta Vigo vs Valencia
- Competition: La Liga
- Venue: Not provided
- Date: 03-01-2026
- Kickoff: 13:00 / 13:00 UTC
Predicted Lineups
Celta Vigo
- I. Radu
- Marcos Alonso
- Sergio Carreira
- C. Starfelt
- Javier Rueda
- Fran Beltrán
- Manu Fernández
- I. Moriba
- Miguel Román
- Ferran Jutgla
- Bryan Zaragoza
Valencia
- Julen Agirrezabala
- César Tárrega
- José Gayà
- Copete
- Thierry Correia
- Pepelu
- Javi Guerra
- Andre Almeida
- B. Santamaria
- Luis Rioja
- Hugo Duro
Injury & Suspension Report
Celta Vigo
- Borja Iglesias – Back Injury
- Carlos Domínguez – Groin Injury
- Damián Rodríguez – Inactive
- Hugo Sotelo – Muscle Injury
- M. Ristić – Muscle Injury
- Pablo Durán – Shoulder Injury
Valencia
- F. Ugrinic – Illness
- César Tárrega – Knee Injury
- S. Dimitrievski – Groin Injury
- E. Cömert – Illness
- E. Cömert – Injury
Head-to-Head
Recent meetings between these sides have generally been tight, with just under three goals on average. Across 55 matchups, Valencia have 25 wins, Celta Vigo 13, and 17 have ended level. The most recent clash finished 2-1 to Valencia, underlining their slight historical edge in narrow contests.
Match Analysis & Prediction
Celta Vigo enter with a measured approach built on possession control and defensive structure. They have taken two wins and a draw from their last five matches, scoring five times in that span. I. Radu’s composure has underpinned a back line that has produced two recent clean sheets and six in 24 league games overall. Expect Celta to probe patiently, looking for timing between the lines through Fran Beltrán, I. Moriba, Manu Fernández and Miguel Román, while Ferran Jutgla and Bryan Zaragoza provide the runs to stretch Valencia’s back four.
Valencia face relegation threat as Celta build momentum
Valencia sit 17th on 16 points from 17 matches (3W, 7D, 7L), and their margin for error is slim. Their recent five-game return — one win and three draws — reflects a team that competes but struggles to pull away. The midfield trio of Pepelu, Javi Guerra and Andre Almeida will be vital to slow Celta’s rhythm and launch transitions to Hugo Duro and Luis Rioja. Precision in both boxes remains the key question for them.
Julen Agirrezabala’s away form is a pillar for Valencia: six clean sheets across ten trips signal reliable organization and shot-stopping. With César Tárrega, José Gayà, Copete and Thierry Correia in front of him, Valencia can keep games close if they protect the area and manage Celta’s wide supply, including deliveries from Marcos Alonso. At the other end, quick counters and set pieces are their best route to chances against a settled Celta block.
Given the recent trends — Celta’s improved defensive control, Valencia’s draw-heavy run, and a historically tight H2H — the margins look small. If Celta sustain their tempo and limit counterattacks, they should create the better territorial pressure; Valencia’s resilience and Agirrezabala’s form, however, point toward another low-scoring outcome. Prediction: Draw, 1-1.