Match Information
Match Overview
Celta Vigo host Alaves at Estadio Abanca-Balaídos on Matchday 29 of the regular La Liga season, with both teams seeking crucial points for different reasons in the table. This mid-season fixture carries significant weight as Celta occupy 6th place with 41 points, positioning themselves for European qualification, while Alaves sit precariously in 17th with just 28 points, dangerously close to the relegation zone.
The contrasting rest situations between the teams could prove decisive in this encounter. Celta face a challenging scenario with only two days of rest following their Europa League Round of 16 clash against Lyon, where they secured a crucial 2-0 away victory. This fixture congestion places them at high fatigue risk, having played an intense European match just 72 hours prior. The physical and mental demands of knockout football, combined with the quick turnaround, could impact their sharpness and energy levels against a well-rested Alaves side.
Alaves arrive with a significant advantage in terms of preparation, having enjoyed eight full days of rest since their last fixture. This extended break allows Quique Sanchez Flores' squad to be physically fresh and tactically well-drilled for what represents a crucial six-pointer in their relegation battle. Their recent form shows glimpses of resilience, and the extra recovery time could be the difference-maker against potentially fatigued opponents.
Key absences will shape both lineups, with Celta missing Ilaix Moriba and Miguel Roman to suspension and injury respectively, while Matias Vecino remains questionable. Alaves face their own challenges with Yusi suspended due to yellow card accumulation and Ferran Garces also unavailable. These enforced changes could disrupt established partnerships and tactical setups for both sides in a match where every detail matters.
Predicted Lineups
Celta Vigo
Radu; Javi Rodriguez, Starfelt, Marcos Alonso, Sergio Carreira; Fer Lopez, Hugo Sotelo, Hugo Alvarez; Javier Rueda, Pablo Duran, Swedberg
Alaves
Sivera; Jonny Otto, Tenaglia, Parada; Perez, Ibanez, Blanco, Alena, Guridi; Boye, Martinez
Team Form Analysis
Celta Vigo
Celta Vigo Form Analysis
Celta's recent form presents a mixed picture of European success contrasted with domestic inconsistency. Their last five matches show a concerning pattern with three losses, including defeats to Real Madrid and Osasuna at home, alongside draws against Real Betis and Lyon. However, their European campaign tells a different story, with impressive victories over Lyon away and PAOK, demonstrating their ability to raise their game for significant occasions.
Offensively, Celta have managed 38 goals in 28 league matches, averaging 1.36 goals per game, which represents decent attacking output. Pablo Duran and the experienced Iago Aspas remain key threats, though the latter's involvement from the bench has been more frequent recently. Their attacking versatility with players like Swedberg and Javier Rueda provides multiple options in the final third.
Defensively, they've conceded 31 goals this season, showing vulnerability particularly in recent home fixtures. The partnership between Starfelt and Marcos Alonso has been tested, and the absence of key midfield protection through Moriba's suspension could expose them further. Their home record of four wins, five draws, and five losses demonstrates the inconsistency that has prevented them from establishing themselves more firmly in European positions.
Alaves
Alaves Form Analysis
Alaves enter this fixture showing signs of improvement under Quique Sanchez Flores, though their overall season remains a struggle for survival. Recent results include a draw with Villarreal, defeats to Valencia and Levante, but crucially a draw with Girona and victories over Real Betis and Espanyol. This inconsistent pattern reflects a team fighting hard but lacking the quality to string together consistent results.
Their attacking statistics reveal the core of their problems, with just 26 goals scored in 28 matches, averaging less than one goal per game. Toni Martinez and Lucas Boye have carried much of the scoring burden, but neither has provided the consistent threat needed for sustained success. The creative burden falls heavily on Carles Alena and Pablo Ibanez in midfield, while their wing play through players like Rebbach offers some pace on the counter.
Defensively, Alaves have conceded 38 goals, showing particular vulnerability away from home where they've managed only two wins all season. Their away record of two wins, two draws, and ten losses from fourteen matches highlights their struggles on the road. The defensive partnership between Tenaglia and Parada has been reasonably solid, but they've often been overwhelmed by superior attacking forces, particularly against top-half opposition.
Head-to-Head
Celta Vigo
Alaves
Recent Meetings
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-11-22 | Alaves | 0 - 1 | Celta Vigo |
| 2025-01-27 | Alaves | 1 - 1 | Celta Vigo |
| 2024-08-16 | Celta Vigo | 2 - 1 | Alaves |
| 2024-04-27 | Alaves | 3 - 0 | Celta Vigo |
| 2023-09-28 | Celta Vigo | 1 - 1 | Alaves |
| 2022-05-07 | Celta Vigo | 4 - 0 | Alaves |
| 2021-11-27 | Alaves | 1 - 2 | Celta Vigo |
| 2021-04-04 | Alaves | 1 - 3 | Celta Vigo |
| 2020-12-20 | Celta Vigo | 2 - 0 | Alaves |
| 2020-06-21 | Celta Vigo | 6 - 0 | Alaves |
Memorable Matches
The recent history between these sides has produced some thrilling encounters, with Celta generally holding the upper hand. Perhaps the most memorable recent clash came in November 2025 when Celta secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Mendizorrotza, demonstrating their ability to grind out results in difficult away conditions. This victory was crucial in maintaining their push for European places.
Looking further back, their August 2024 meeting at Balaidos provided early-season drama as Celta came from behind to win 2-1, with both teams showing attacking intent in an entertaining encounter. The match highlighted the contrasting ambitions of both clubs, with Celta's superior quality eventually telling in the crucial moments.
The most striking result in their recent history was Alaves' emphatic 3-0 victory over Celta in April 2024, a rare dominant display that showcased their potential when everything clicks together. However, such comprehensive victories have been rare for Alaves, with Celta's 6-0 demolition in June 2020 serving as a reminder of the gulf in class that can emerge between these teams when form diverges significantly.
Venue Factor
Estadio Abanca-Balaidos has been a mixed fortress for Celta this season, with their home record of four wins, five draws, and five losses from fourteen matches reflecting their inconsistent campaign. The venue typically provides a passionate atmosphere, particularly for European nights, though league attendances have varied depending on the opposition and recent results.
Celta's home form shows they can be dangerous when they establish rhythm, particularly against teams in the lower half of the table. Their recent European displays at Balaidos, including victories over PAOK and Lille, demonstrate how the crowd can lift the team for significant occasions. However, losses to Real Madrid and Osasuna at home indicate vulnerability when not at their sharpest.
For Alaves, traveling to Galicia represents one of their most challenging away trips this season. Their woeful away record of just two victories from fourteen matches shows their struggle to perform away from the comfort of Mendizorrotza. The long journey north, combined with facing a Celta side desperate to maintain their European ambitions, creates a daunting prospect. However, their recent fighting spirit and the advantage of superior rest could help them capitalize if Celta show signs of European fatigue in front of their home supporters.
Injury Concerns
Celta Vigo
Alaves
