Celta Vigo vs Alavés – News and Probable Lineups

Celta Vigo will aim to return to form in Spain’s top division when they host Alaves at Balaidos Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Sky Blues occupy the sixth position in the La Liga standings, sitting three points ahead of seventh-placed Real Sociedad, while Alaves are currently 17th, just two points clear of the relegation zone.

Match overview

Celta will head into Sunday’s match following a 2-0 victory over Lyon in the second leg of their last-16 Europa League fixture, achieving a 3-1 aggregate win, and they will now face Freiburg in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Claudio Giraldez’s team is currently sixth in La Liga, holding a record of 10 wins, 11 draws, and seven defeats from 28 matches this season, accumulating 41 points, placing them three points above Real Sociedad in seventh.

Celta recently drew 1-1 with Real Betis in their most recent league match, but their last home game in the top flight ended with a 2-1 defeat against Real Madrid.

This season, Giraldez’s squad has struggled at home, only managing to secure 17 points from their 14 league games in front of their supporters, though Alaves possesses the fourth-worst away record for the 2025-26 campaign.

Celta managed a 1-0 victory over Alaves in the previous match earlier this season, while they also triumphed 2-1 in their corresponding encounter last term.

Alaves has triumphed in 21 of their last 63 meetings with Celta across all competitions, experiencing 27 defeats, alongside 15 draws.

The visitors will come into this fixture following a 1-1 draw with Villarreal, after suffering two consecutive defeats against Levante and Valencia.

There’s no denying that this season has been challenging for the Blue and Whites, with a record of seven wins, seven draws, and 14 losses from 28 matches giving them 28 points and leaving them in 17th place in the standings.

Alaves named Quique Sanchez Flores as their new head coach at the beginning of March, and the Spaniard has secured one point from his two matches in charge.

El Glorioso is just two points ahead of 18th-placed Elche in the fight to avoid relegation, but they may be in a better physical state compared to their opponents as they enter this weekend’s game.

Celta Vigo La Liga form:

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Celta Vigo form (all competitions):

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Alaves La Liga form:

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Team News

Celta will be missing Miguel Roman due to injury, and the 23-year-old is likely to be out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

Additionally, Ilaix Moriba will be unavailable due to suspension after receiving a significant yellow card in the previous match against Real Betis.

Borja Iglesias, named in the latest Spain squad, will spearhead the attack, aiming to add to the 15 goals he has netted this season.

For Alaves, Carlos Protesoni is doubtful due to injury, and the 27-year-old will undergo a late fitness test prior to Sunday’s match.

Youssef Enriquez is also suspended after picking up a significant yellow card during the draw with Villarreal last time out.

However, Jon Pacheco and Ander Guevara will return to the squad after their suspensions, with Pacheco expected to be in the starting XI.

Celta Vigo probable starting XI:

Radu; Alonso, Starfelt, Rodriguez; Nunez, Mingueza, Sotelo, Alvarez; Aspas, Iglesias, Jutgla

Alaves probable starting XI:

Sivera; Tenaglia, Parada, Pacheco; Perez, Ibanez, Blanco, Alena, Jonny; Martinez, Boye

Celta was involved in a demanding European fixture on Thursday night, which could enhance Alaves’ odds of securing a favorable outcome here, yet we anticipate the home team will find a way to achieve an essential victory.