VIGO, Spain — On Saturday, May 10, Celta Vigo go face-to-face with Sevilla in a crucial La Liga clash at Estadio de Balaídos, aimed to boost their European hopes.
Celta, currently seventh in the league with 46 points from 34 games, need to snap a rough patch after three losses in their last four matches, including a narrow 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid. The hosts are just two points above Rayo Vallecano, hinting at a tight battle for a Europa League spot.
Head coach Giraldez stated, “Disappointment don’t define our season; we still get another chance at Europe this campaign. We go dey ready to fight for every point.” Celta last tasted European football in the 2016-17 season, making a semi-final run in the Europa League.
Meanwhile, Sevilla, sitting at 16th place and only six points clear of the relegation zone, face an even tougher reality. They haven’t won since March 9 and recently drew 2-2 against fellow relegation strugglers Leganes. Their record stands at 9 wins, 11 draws, and 14 defeats.
In response to the challenges, Sevilla’s head coach hinted at the need for a turnaround, saying, “We must put everything into this game to avoid relegation. It’s a must-win for us to build confidence and finish strong.” With four games left, Sevilla’s position remains precarious as they line up against 18th-placed Las Palmas next.
This weekend sees Celta Vigo benefit from a strong home advantage, winning 10 out of 17 home games this season. Their form at home gives them hope as they strive to reclaim a spot in European competitions. Celta’s supporters are optimistic about helping the team break their troublesome streak.
Celta’s squad faces some injury woes, with players like Youssef En-Nesyri and Gonçalo Paciência missing the game due to fitness issues. The coach may make alterations, possibly bringing in more fresh legs to revive the team’s attacking spirit after a collapsed defense against Madrid.
On the Sevilla side, they too have crucial absentees as one of their defenders, suffered a suspension due to accumulation of yellow cards. Despite this, they plan to rely on the likes of Suso and Tonny Vilhena to create opportunities and find the back of the net.
In a historical context, the last meeting between these two in Vigo ended in a 1-1 draw in November 2023, and Sevilla edged Celta 1-0 earlier this season. Both teams are well aware of the stakes, making this matchup critical for their respective fates.
Looking ahead, both sides are set to showcase what they can muster under pressure, especially with the possibility of relegation haunting Sevilla and European hopes for Celta. Expectations are high for a competitive showdown.
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