Celta Vigo hosts Athletic Club at Balaídos this Saturday in a pivotal La Liga match for two teams desperate to kickstart their season. The fixture, scheduled for 21:30, arrives on matchday three with both sides mired in a difficult start to the campaign.
Claudio Giráldez's Celta arrives with just one point from a possible six. They drew 0-0 at Mestalla against Valencia and then lost at home to Osasuna, a match where 39-year-old Iago Aspas scored Celta's only goal and Marcos Alonso was sent off. The team currently sits 16th in the standings, with one point, one goal scored, and two conceded. That leaves them six points behind leaders Atlético Madrid.
What changes will Giráldez make after the defeat?
The Celta coach will be forced to make changes to his lineup. The most significant absence is Borja Iglesias, injured with a muscle tear. Furthermore, Marcos Alonso's suspension rules out the full-back. Giráldez will look to rebuild a team that showed defensive fragility. Their next test after this match is away to Real Sociedad on September 3rd.
How is Terzic's Athletic Club shaping up?
The Basque team's situation is even more precarious, with zero points after two defeats. They lost 1-3 to Sevilla at San Mamés and 0-2 to Barcelona at Camp Nou. New manager Terzic, who succeeded Valverde after four years, is trying to implement his style. After the Barcelona match, Terzic stated he "had seen positive things in his team to build the future on." Goalkeeper Unai Simón will start, and defender Yuri returns after serving a suspension for a red card that the Referees' Technical Committee admitted was a clear error.
Which players are key for the clash?
For Celta, the experience of Iago Aspas remains a vital attacking resource, especially with Iglesias out. For Athletic, Terzic made several changes against Barcelona, handing starts to Hugo Rincón, Laporte, Johaneko, Jauregizar, and Nico Williams. Players like Peio Canales, Galarreta, Sancet, Berenguer, and Robert Navarro are also options for the German coach.
Why is this match a launch ramp?
Both teams urgently need their first three points of the season to change the narrative. Celta is only slightly better off than Athletic, but the pressure may weigh more heavily on the visitors. A win would provide a massive morale boost for the victor. The current context, with Celta scoring just once in two games, underscores the need for more offensive sharpness.
The match at Balaídos presents a golden opportunity to correct course. With an eye also on the upcoming fixture against Real Sociedad, Celta Vigo aims to solidify their play under Giráldez and move away from the lower reaches of the table.
