Celta Vigo begin their 2025-26 La Liga campaign on Sunday afternoon with a home clash against Getafe at the Balaídos Stadium. Both teams enter the new season with contrasting ambitions after very different experiences last term.
Match Preview
Celta Vigo enjoyed their most successful La Liga season in nearly a decade in 2024-25, finishing seventh in the table and sealing a spot in the Europa League group stage. That achievement brings the challenge of balancing domestic and European football, but the Sky Blues will aim to compete for another European finish this year.
Head coach Claudio Giráldez has overseen an active summer transfer window. The arrivals of Ilaix Moriba from RB Leipzig, Ferran Jutglà, Borja Iglesias, Bryan Zaragoza, and goalkeeper Ionuț Radu have strengthened the squad. However, they also lost striker Jørgen Strand Larsen and midfielder Fer López to Wolverhampton Wanderers in deals worth around €50m.
Celta’s record against Getafe last season was flawless, securing back-to-back wins, including a 1-0 home victory in November 2024. With confidence high and reinforcements in place, Giráldez’s side will be optimistic about starting their campaign with three points.
Meanwhile, Getafe are looking to improve after a disappointing 2024-25 season that saw them finish 13th, just two points above the relegation zone. The capital side posted 42 points from 38 matches, managing 11 wins and 18 defeats.
Boss José Bordalás has been busy reshaping his squad this summer. Their standout addition is forward Juanmi from Real Betis, while Abdel Abqar and Yvan Neyou add further depth. However, they lost influential centre-back Omar Alderete to Sunderland for €11.6m, a gap that will be difficult to fill.
Historically, Celta just edge the head-to-head with 11 wins to Getafe’s 10, alongside nine draws in 30 previous meetings.
Form Guide
- Celta Vigo pre-season form: L L W W L W
- Getafe pre-season form: D D L D L
Team News
Celta Vigo have several injury concerns heading into their opener. Javi Rodríguez, Joseph Aidoo, Franco Cervi, Pablo Durán, and Williot Swedberg will require late fitness tests. On the positive side, fans should see new signings like Moriba, Zaragoza, and Jutglà in the starting XI. Club legend Iago Aspas, now 38, is also expected to feature, likely in a 3-4-3 setup with Óscar Mingueza as a wing-back.
For Getafe, suspensions rule out Domingos Duarte and Álex Sancris, while debutant Juanmi faces a race against time to prove his fitness. New left-back Davinchi, along with Munoz, Neyou, and Kiko Femenía, are likely to start. Striker Borja Mayoral—hampered by injuries last season—will look to rediscover the form that saw him score 17 goals in 2023-24.
Predicted Lineups
Celta Vigo (3-4-3):
Rueda; Rodríguez, Starfelt, Alonso; Carreira, Moriba, Beltrán, Mingueza; Aspas, Jutglà, Zaragoza
Getafe (4-4-2/4-5-1 hybrid):
Soria; Femenía, Djené, Rico, Davinchi; Munoz, Milla, Neyou, Arambarri; Uche, Mayoral
Prediction
Getafe were solid defensively last season—conceding just 39 goals—but their lack of attacking threat was glaring. Unless Mayoral rediscovers his scoring touch or Juanmi makes an instant impact, goals could remain hard to come by.
Celta, on the other hand, have added creativity and firepower this summer, even without Strand Larsen. With home advantage and a stronger squad on paper, they are favorites to edge a close contest.
We say: Celta Vigo 1-0 Getafe