Celta and Valencia Face Off at Balaídos to End Negative Streaks

Celta and Valencia are set to clash today at Balaídos starting at 2:00 PM, both teams looking to end their respective negative streaks. The Celestes aim to reset their home record for 2026 after achieving only one victory at their stadium this season. Conversely, the Blanquinegros have failed to secure an away win all season, marking eight months without a league victory on the road.

Celta enters this match determined to start the year at Balaídos on a high note, hoping to replicate their success from the end of 2025. Achieving a home victory, which has been elusive this season, is crucial for them to maintain their position near the top of the table and within reach of European spots. Coach Claudio Giráldez welcomes back Borja Iglesias and Pablo Durán, who have received medical clearance, while Ristic and Carlos Domínguez will miss the match due to injuries. Additionally, Cervi and Damián have been left out of the squad for tactical reasons.

The team needs points to distance itself from the relegation zone. Corberán has been working with a formation featuring three central defenders and two forwards, a strategy that was employed in their previous match against Atlético at the Metropolitano, although it did not yield the desired results. Moreover, the coach is contending with players affected by illness, as Ugrinic, who was expected to start, is sidelined by a virus, although Hugo Duro and Pepelu, who have recently recovered, will take the field.

The matchup features Ilaix Moriba against Javi Guerra. The former Valencia player has become a consistent starter for Giráldez, while Guerra, who has yet to find his form this season, will step in due to Ugrinic’s illness.