La Liga | Gameweek 28

Mar 15, 2025 at 1pm UK

Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla

Valladolid vs Celta Vigo

Match preview

Real Valladolid's struggles continued last weekend as they lost 2-1 to fellow strugglers Valencia, making it seven defeats in their last eight league games and leaving them rooted to the foot of the table.

The White and Violets were promoted back to La Liga for the 2023-24 season as a result of finishing second in the Segunda Division, but they look set to drop back into the second tier.

A record of four wins, four draws and 19 defeats from 27 games has seen Real Valladolid pick up 16 points, leaving them 11 points adrift of 17th-placed Leganes, and they will have to work hard to ensure their survival.

Alvaro Rubio's side have been the lowest scorers in La Liga this term, finding the back of the net just 18 times, while also having the worst defensive record with 62 goals conceded, so it is easy to see why it has been a tough campaign.

Real Valladolid have also lost their last two league games against Celta, although they did record a 4-1 victory over the Vigo side when the two sides met in the 2022-23 season.

Celta have won three and drawn two of their last five La Liga games, including a 2-1 win over Leganes last time out to move up to ninth in the standings, just five points behind sixth-placed Real Betis.

The Sky Blues have only finished in the top half once in the last eight seasons, but their attacking prowess has seen them finish in the top 10, having found the back of the net on 40 occasions, just four fewer than Atletico Madrid.

Celta's home form has been excellent this season, with 29 points from 14 games, and only Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have done better in front of their own fans in the 2024-25 campaign.

However, Claudio Giraldez's side have struggled on the road, winning just one of their 13 league games away from home, so Real Valladolid will go into this game with some confidence.

Recent Performance

Real Valladolid La Liga form:LLLLDL

Celta Vigo La Liga form:LWDWDW

Team News

Real Valladolid welcome back Mario Martin to their squad for this game, but Joseph Aidoo, who is on loan from Celta, will miss out with a muscular problem, as will fellow defender David Torres.

Andre Ferreira is also unavailable with a muscular problem of his own, while Juanmi Latasa has been ruled out due to the yellow card he received after scoring against Valencia last time out.

Latasa's absence is likely to open the door for Mamadou Sylla to come into the attack, while Cenk Ozkacar will have to make way for him in the centre of defence.

Celta will be without Hugo Alvarez and Williot Swedberg due to injury.

Coach Giraldez could stick with the same XI that started the game against Leganes, including a start for Alfon Gonzalez in a wide position, while Iago Aspas is also in contention.

Fran Beltran and Ilaix Moriba are options in the middle of midfield, but Damian Rodriguez and Hugo Sotelo could both retain their starting berths against the bottom side.

Possible starting lineup

Real Valladolid possible starting lineup:

Hein; Perez, J Sanchez, Ozkacar, Aznou; I Sanchez, Grillitsch, Martin, Moro; Andre, Sylla

Celta Vigo possible starting lineup:

Guaita; Jailson, Starfelt, Alonso; Carreira, Rodriguez, Sotelo, Mingueza; Aspas, Iglesias, Gonzalez