Balaídos is set to host a thrilling clash featuring Borja Iglesias and Hugo Duro, the top scorers for Celta and Valencia respectively. In early 2026, both teams find themselves under pressure: Celta aims to stay in the hunt for European qualification while Valencia fights to escape the relegation zone.
Hugo Duro wrapped up the previous year with 13 goals in 34 matches, placing him as the second-highest Spanish scorer in the league, tied with Ayoze Pérez. His outstanding performance has established him as a key player for coach Carlos Corberán, boasting the highest shot efficiency on the team and ranking second in high-impact offensive actions with 17.
Borja Iglesias, who scored one goal less than Duro last season, remains an indispensable player for Claudio Giráldez. Iglesias is crucial to Celta’s attack, although he, along with Pablo Durán, was absent in the last match against Oviedo. The team’s disappointing goalless draw at Carlos Tartiere pushed Celta further away from the sixth position currently held by Betis, now five points ahead. Celta’s record at home is concerning, having collected only eight points from nine matches, although they recently secured their first home win against Athletic Club.
Valencia, on the other hand, has yet to claim a victory away from home this season and is eager to avoid a repeat of last season’s struggles, finishing the first half of the campaign without a win on the road. After a draw against Mallorca that left them just one point above the danger zone, Valencia needs a mental and physical reset as they approach the match in Vigo.
Corberán’s squad was bolstered by a week of Christmas break and the team hopes to translate their training back into competitive form. Historically, Valencia has struggled at Balaídos over the past decade, with only three wins from their last ten encounters there. Despite this, the team is determined to start the new year with renewed energy, much like their impressive turnaround last season that saved them from relegation.
Corberán, who celebrated a year in charge during the holiday season, has seen his team drop back into the lower table this campaign despite a noticeable improvement in performance. In the upcoming match, he will seek that elusive first away win to break the home fixture curse.
Key players Pepelu and Tárrega recently recovered from illness but remain in question for the match, with Tárrega experiencing lingering discomfort. Meanwhile, Arnaut Danjuma is fit to return, and Eray Cömert has overcome his injury but is suffering from a cold, leading to uncertainty regarding Filip Ugrinic’s fitness for the match.
Possible lineups for the match are as follows:
Celta de Vigo: Radu; Javi Rodríguez, Starfelt, Marcos Alonso; Mingueza, Moriba, Miguel Román, Carreira; Pablo Durán or Williot, Bryan Zaragoza, Borja Iglesias.
Valencia: Agirrezabala; Thierry, Copete, Tárrega, Gayà; Rioja, Pepelu, Ugrinic or Javi Guerra, Almeida; Lucas Beltrán, Hugo Duro.
The referee for the match will be Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea (Basque Committee), with the game set to take place at 14:00 at the iconic Balaídos stadium. Fans can look forward to a battle not only between two teams but also between two leading strikers vying for personal glory while striving to elevate their teams’ standings in the league.