La Liga | Gameweek 26

Mar 1, 2025 at 1pm UK

Estadi Municipal de Montilivi

Girona vs Celta Vigo

Match preview

Girona have lost seven of their last eight games in all competitions, including five of their last six in La Liga, a run of form that has seen them drop to 13th in the table.

The Catalan giants go into the game on the back of a 2-0 defeat at Real Madrid last weekend, while they were beaten 2-1 by Getafe in front of their own fans in the middle of the month.

However, they remain firmly in contention for sixth, just four points behind sixth-placed Rayo, in what promises to be an intriguing battle for the final European spot in the Spanish top flight.

Girona enjoyed an exceptional campaign in 2023-24, finishing third in La Liga and securing a place in this season's Champions League, but they have found it more difficult to make their mark this term.

However, even a top-half finish would represent a strong campaign for Michel's men and they have enjoyed their recent encounters with Celta, winning two and drawing two of their last four top-flight games.

Celta's last win over Girona came in August 2022, and the two sides drew 1-1 in Vigo earlier this season.

The visitors go into the clash on the back of a 1-0 win over Osasuna, which made it seven points from their last three games, while they have also beaten Real Betis and drawn with Atletico Madrid since their last defeat at Valencia on 22 February.

Claudio Giraldez's side have lost just one of their last five league games and their good form has seen them move up to 10th in the standings with 32 points from their opening 25 games.

The Sky Blues are just three points behind sixth-placed Rayo and are also firmly in the hunt for a European spot, but these are the kind of games they need to win to be taken seriously in the race for a top-six finish.

However, Celta have struggled on the road during the 2024/25 campaign, winning just one of their 12 league games away from home, while Girona have won six of their 12 La Liga matches in front of their own fans.

Recent Performance

Girona La Liga form:LLWLLL

Girona form (all competitions):LLWLLL

Celta Vigo La Liga form:LDLWDW

Team News

Girona will be able to welcome Yangel Herrera back into their squad for this game, with the midfielder serving a suspension for the two-goal defeat to Real Madrid last time out.

Head coach Michel is expected to make changes to the side that kicked off against Los Blancos, with Herrera likely to return, while Abel Ruiz could also find a place in the final third of the pitch.

Arthur and Jhon Solis have also been mentioned as possible replacements, but the pair are expected to be among the substitutes again on Saturday afternoon.

Celta will be without the services of Hugo Alvarez due to injury.

Coach Giraldez could name the same team that started against Osasuna, although Iago Aspas' goal from the bench in that game could earn the experienced attacker a start.

Pablo Duran and Fran Beltran are also options, but the manner of the performance against Osasuna should mean that the likes of Hugo Sotelo and Williot Swedberg retain their places in the side.

Possible starting lineup

Girona possible starting lineup:

Gazzaniga; D Lopez, Krejci, Blind; A Martinez, Martin, Herrera, Romeu, Gutierrez; Ruiz, Danjuma

Celta Vigo possible starting lineup:

Guaita; J Rodriguez, Starfelt, Alonso; Carreira, Sotelo, Moriba, Mingueza; Aspas, Iglesias, Swedberg