Celta Vigo return to action after 85 days away, hosting Getafe at Balaídos this afternoon at 17:00 local time, the same opponent with whom they sealed a European spot last May. Getafe arrives in Vigo facing difficulties to register new signings, while the celestial side arrive with a fully stocked squad and several notable additions.
Celta’s new faces stand out in the squad: Andrei Radu, Ferran Jutglà, Bryan Zaragoza, plus promotions from the reserve team Miguel Román and Manu Fernández, and the return of Javi Rueda. Ilaix Moriba and Borja Iglesias are also on board, the latter having already made the move permanent after a fruitful loan spell. However, the squad will be without Carl Starfelt due to a muscle issue picked up in the final training session, and Damián Rodríguez, Franco Cervi, and Joseph Aidoo are out for technical reasons.
Both clubs are aiming to stay in La Liga for another season, but the hosts are regarded as the stronger side on the evidence of their pre-season form. The Porriñés captain Iago Aspas led the wins in both league fixtures against Getafe last season, the standout moment coming at the Coliseum where coach Gilas Giráldez explained to his players how to exploit space behind a tired Domingos Duarte. Moments later, Williot provided the assist for Aspas to finish decisively and seal European qualification.
With that same core in place, Celta hope to collect three points in a season that will see them contest three of the four opening matches at home, in front of a full Balaídos that will celebrate a summer hot spell and a club faithful eager for a joyful campaign across three competitions. The stadium’s renovations mean the arena will be a festive occasion despite the construction, with all tickets sold out weeks in advance.
On the eve of the game, Giráldez warned not to underestimate Getafe, who will be without Duarte through suspension and Alderete, who has attracted interest from the Premier League, while Fer López remains a local favorite. The Celta talisman Iago Aspas, who turns 38 soon, remains an influential presence, but his role could be managed through rotation as Giráldez plans to share minutes and keep the squad fresh across a packed schedule.
Radu is expected to be the only guaranteed starter in an expected back line that includes Carlos Domínguez and Javi Rodríguez alongside Marcos Alonso in the three-man defense, with a fit-again Ristic and Mingueza or Javi Rueda on the flanks. Beltrán and Moriba are shaping to be the first-choice double pivot, with Williot and Jutglà likely to spearhead the attack, and Durán or Jones El-Abdellaoui providing another forward option. The Norwegian-Moroccan youngster Williot, alongside Miguel Román, has been one of the pre-season’s brightest surprises and Giráldez wants him to threaten down the right flank with pace and go.
For Getafe, injuries in the squad complicate plans for travel to Vigo, with Abqar and Femenía out as they look to bounce back in round one.
Summary: A high-energy start to the season for Celta, who seek to build on promising pre-season form and capitalize on home support, while Getafe arrive with registration hurdles and personnel gaps but eyes on a stubborn performance against a team eager to entertain and push toward a Champions League-berth-adjacent spot from last season.
Additional context and insights:
– This match is a test of Celta’s depth and rotation strategy under Giráldez, who is likely to balance experienced leadership with the fresh pace and versatility of the newcomers.
– The Balaídos atmosphere, despite renovations, could give Celta a psychological edge as they aim to begin with three points.
– If you’re following Fantasy or betting angles, watch for Williot’s introduction on the right wing and Moriba’s role as a midfield conductor in the early stages.
Positive angle: Celta’s blend of trusted senior figures like Aspas with dynamic newcomers and homegrown talents promises an exciting, proactive style that could deliver a strong campaign and a memorable return to La Liga action.