Celta Vigo vs Valencia: Preview, Prediction & Betting Picks

The last matchday of the La Liga season sees Celta Vigo host Valencia in what is a game between two sides sitting in the middle part of the table.

Date: 5/25/24

Kick-off time: 12:00 Pacific Time

Venue: Balaidos

Neither side have much to play for, especially Valencia, whose position in ninth is all but confirmed. With one game to go, the visitors trail Villarreal ahead of them by four points, whilst Alaves are three points behind and have an inferior goal difference by three. Although, it would have been a lot more comfortable had Valencia not lost 3-1 in their most recent game at home to Girona. It has been a disappointing season overall, as they finished far off the European places.

An opportunity to climb the table is still available to Celta Vigo, as they are just a point behind Sevilla and three behind Getafe. However, they could still fall to as low as 16th, so they will be very determined to pick up a positive result in this one. They could have been dragged into a relegation battle, but with three wins in their last four, they have been able to create some much-needed separation.

With nothing riding on this game, it could mean an increase in goals. In six of their last seven games, Celta have seen over 2.5 goals, with them scoring 12. They have a couple of dangerous goal threats, particularly Jorgen Strand Larsen, who leads their scoring charts with 12. Iago Aspas is not far behind with eight goals. Valencia have been struggling and are winless in six. They have scored just once in four games, coming at the weekend. If they are to have more success in front of goal, it will most likely come from Hugo Duro, who has had a good campaign with 13 goals.

Since 2021, these two sides have met six times in La Liga. It is a matchup that has been dominated by Valencia, who have won four games and drawn one. Red cards also seem to be a feature, with three games seeing a man sent off. The reverse fixture earlier this season ended goalless as both sides really struggled on the offensive end. The two teams combined for just one shot on target from 21 total attempts. There was also not much to split them in possession, with the hosts Valencia just edging it. Celta’s last victory came in 2021 at home, as they won 2-1.

Celta Vigo Team News

Celta Vigo have a relatively fit squad, though have a couple of absentees. Carles Perez is likely to miss the game, whilst Mihailo Ristic is a doubt with a sprained ankle. Joseph Aidoo has an Achilles tendon rupture.

Valencia Team News

Valencia have a couple of injuries to contend with. Jesus Vazquez is doubtful, whilst Mouctar Diakhaby is ruled out.

Celta Vigo Form Guide

In their last five games, Celta Vigo have won three and lost two. It has been a good stretch for Celta, in which they managed to secure safety comfortably heading into the final game of the season. They won 2-1 in their most recent game away at Granada. Jorgen Strand Larsen and Jonathan Bamba scored twice in as many minutes before the hosts pulled one back late on.

This followed another win as they got the better of Athletic Bilbao 2-1. It was an impressive result given their opponents are in a strong position in the top five. They went behind to a goal from Alejandro Berenguer Remiro midway through the first half. However, two goals in the space of three minutes in the second half turned it around for a huge three points. It was a great response to a 1-0 loss at Atletico Madrid. The hosts were dominant in shot attempts, with over three times more than Celta. However, they finally took advantage of one of their opportunities, and that came in the 84th minute courtesy of Rodrigo De Paul.

Another narrow win against Villarreal preceded this, as they were victorious 3-2. After Villarreal took the lead through Alberto Moreno, they were reduced to 10 men. The hosts took advantage of this as Iago Aspas equalised from the penalty spot. They took the lead with Larsen scoring. The visitors levelled it in the second half, but a late winner from Anastasios Douvikas meant a dramatic finish. The first game of this run was a crushing 3-0 loss at Alaves. They failed to record a shot on target in the whole game despite enjoying more possession. Giuliano Simeone, Jon Guridi and Carlos Benavidez were all on the scoresheet.

Valencia Form Guide

In their last five games, Valencia have drawn one and lost four. It has been a terrible stretch for Valencia, although they have not had much to play for as they languish in mid-table. This run started in defeat as they fell 4-2 at second place Barcelona. Both sides exchanged leads with Fermin Lopez putting the hosts ahead before Hugo Duro equalised. Robert Lewandowski scored the first of a hat-trick to level it again after Pepelu turned it around from the spot. Valencia were reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half-time, allowing Barca to dominate the second half.

Another loss followed as they were defeated 1-0 at home to Alaves. They only managed to register one shot on target, allowing their opponents to take advantage of one of their opportunities. They did so in the 68th minute, as Javi Lopez scored the only goal of the game. Their lack of goals continued as they drew another blank at home to Rayo Vallecano. They created more chances, but once again could not find a breakthrough. However, they were able to keep a clean sheet of their own in the goalless draw.

Their search for a win continued against Real Sociedad, but they failed again, losing 1-0. The deadlock was broken just three minutes into the game, and Valencia could not find a way back into it. Their most recent game was a home fixture against Girona in which they lost 3-1. They fell into a 3-0 hole before a Pepelu penalty got them on the scoresheet.

Celta Vigo were ensured safety last week, so come into this one under no pressure. Valencia have been in terrible form and we expect that to continue against a side who have been improved in recent games – Celta Vigo 2-1 Valencia

Celta Vigo vs Valencia will be available to be watched on ESPN+ by U.S viewers.