Celta Vigo vs Union SG – News and Probable Lineups

Celta Vigo is set to continue their Europa League group stage journey with a home match against a strong Union SG side on Thursday evening.

The La Liga club currently holds the 25th spot in the overall standings, having secured three points from three games, while Union SG sits in sixth, amassing seven points from their outings.

Match overview

Celta experienced a rocky start in their 2026-27 Europa League group stage, suffering a 1-0 loss away to Omonia, and then facing a 2-1 defeat at home against Juventus. However, they bounced back with a 2-1 victory over Celtic in their latest encounter, bringing their total points to three, placing them at 25th.

The Sky Blues come into this match after a 3-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, which sees them sitting 10th in their domestic league.

Claudio Giraldez’s men have several upcoming fixtures against Bournemouth, Marseille, H. Beer Sheva, and Lillestrom ahead of the conclusion of the group stage, and it would be surprising if they were to exit the tournament at this stage considering their capabilities.

Celta reached the quarter-finals of the 2025-26 Europa League, where they were eliminated by German team Freiburg, and they also made it to the semi-finals back in 2016-17, falling to Manchester United at that time.

Having the home advantage could play a significant role on Thursday, but they will face a Union SG squad that is currently in formidable form.

Indeed, the visitors have recorded four consecutive victories in all competitions, with their latest win being a 2-1 success over Beveren on October 31.

Meanwhile, Union SG has gathered seven points from their three Europa League matches this season, placing them sixth in the overall standings with those seven points.

David Hubert’s side started their Europa League campaign with a commanding 3-0 win against Viktoria Plzen, followed by a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in their second match, and then a comprehensive 4-0 victory over H. Beer Sheva last time out.

Union SG also participated in the 2025-26 Champions League, finishing 27th in the group stage, as well as reaching the knockout round playoffs of the 2024-25 Europa League.

The Old Lady will also face Lech, Lyon, Besiktas, and Celtic before the conclusion of the Europa League group stage.

Team News

Celta will be without Carl Starfelt, Miguel Roman, Alvaro Nunez, and Borja Iglesias due to injuries on Thursday night.

Javi Rodriguez is the team’s top scorer this season, netting three goals in 10 appearances, and the 23-year-old is expected to play in defense.

There should also be a role for Ferran Jutgla, who has scored twice in 14 appearances throughout the 2026-27 season.

On the other hand, Union SG will not have the services of Kevin Mac Allister, Fedde Leysen, Ondrej Kricfalusi, Rob Schoofs, Mateo Biondic, and Ilan Hurtevent due to injuries for Thursday’s encounter.

Guilherme Smith has been in strong form this season, with five goals and two assists across 16 appearances, and he will play a part in the attacking setup.

There is also likely to be a spot for Relebohile Mofokeng in the final third, who has registered five goals and four assists in all competitions this term.

Celta Vigo probable starting XI:

Radu; Rodriguez, Caceres, Alonso; Rueda, Febas, Burcio, Carreira; Aspas, Jutgla, Alvarez

Union SG probable starting XI:

Coffee; Chibani, Sylla, Havenaar; Van De Perre; Patrice, Olaru, Zenelie, Guilherme Smith; Biondic, Mofokeng

Celta will have home advantage on Thursday, but it is difficult to be confident in their chances for this match given Union SG’s impressive form, leading us to anticipate a low-scoring draw.