| Celta Vigo vs Atletico Madrid | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Celta Vigo vs Atletico Madrid
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COMPETITION :
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LaLiga
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| DATE: |
06-10-2025
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TIME:
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12.30 AM IST
11.00 PM UAE
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STADIUM
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Balaídos
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Celta Vigo vs Atletico Madrid: Match Preview, Team News & Key Talking Points
Celta Vigo are still waiting to taste their first La Liga victory of the 2025–26 season. After seven matches, the Sky Blues have collected just five points from five draws and two defeats — a run that leaves them hovering just above the relegation zone in 17th place.
There was finally a spark of positivity in midweek, though, as Claudio Giráldez’s men claimed their first win of the new campaign, defeating PAOK 2-1 at home in the Europa League. That result could provide the boost they need to kick-start their domestic form.
Celta’s league campaign has been filled with frustratingly close results — all five of their draws have ended 1-1. They were beaten 2-1 by Elche last weekend, and the pressure is now on to turn solid performances into wins. After finishing seventh last season to secure a return to European football, expectations are higher this year, and the Galician side will be eager to climb the table quickly.
However, history is not on their side. Celta have not beaten Atletico Madrid since September 2018, and the Red and Whites were 1-0 winners in this fixture last season. In fact, Atletico have lost just once away to Celta in the league since 2015, making them clear favourites heading into Sunday’s contest.
Atletico’s Momentum Growing
Diego Simeone’s side come into this clash in fine form, riding a three-game winning streak in all competitions. After a 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano and a stunning 5-2 victory against Real Madrid in La Liga, Atletico hammered Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 in the Champions League during the week.
That run has lifted them to fifth place in the league with 12 points from seven matches, six behind second-placed Real Madrid and seven adrift of leaders Barcelona. While they were slow to find rhythm early in the season, their recent performances suggest Simeone’s side are hitting top gear.
Interestingly, Atletico’s defensive solidity has wavered slightly — they’ve already conceded nine goals in seven matches. That’s uncharacteristic for one of Europe’s most reliable backlines and could offer a glimmer of hope for Celta.
Team News
Celta will be without Sergio Carreira due to injury, while Mihailo Ristic and Javi Rueda face late fitness tests. Borja Iglesias, who has made a bright start to the season with six goals in nine appearances, should lead the line once again. Bryan Zaragoza and Pablo Durán are expected to support him in attack, with club legend Iago Aspas likely to start on the bench.
For Atletico, Johnny Cardoso remains sidelined, while José Giménez and Thiago Almada are doubtful. Alexander Sørloth is expected to recover from a knock to partner Julián Álvarez in attack. Nico González could return to the wing, with Koke and David Hancko also in line for recalls to freshen up the starting XI.
Final Thoughts
Celta’s resilient displays show they can compete, but their inability to turn draws into wins has cost them dearly. Atletico, meanwhile, are brimming with confidence after back-to-back statement victories. If Simeone’s men maintain their current form, they’ll be strong favourites to make it four wins in a row across all competitions.