Celta de Vigo is ready to face FC Barcelona in a duel that promises to be one of the most interesting of the day. Those led by Claudio Giráldez will have the difficult task of overcoming the LaLiga leader at the Balaídos stadium. However, they arrive with renewed confidence thanks to the return of key players and a team that is beginning to find stability.
An optimistic Celta with an almost complete squad
Celta’s coaching staff has practically the entire squad available. The internationals have returned without any setbacks after the national team break, and injured players such as Sergio Carreira and Luca de la Torre are already training at the same pace as their teammates. This allows Giráldez to plan a competitive lineup, designed to exploit Barcelona’s weaknesses, such as their tendency to defend with a high offside position.
The Vigo coach, who took over the reins of the first team in March, has been consolidating his scheme in recent days. Despite not having repeated a starting eleven since his arrival, everything indicates that he will bet on a combination of experience and youth to face the Barça team.
A starting eleven with tactical innovations
Celta’s possible starting eleven against FC Barcelona would be made up of:
Goalie: Vicente Guaita, indisputable under the three suits.
Defense: Javier Manquillo as a right central defender to closely mark Raphinha, Carl Starfelt in the center after returning from his call-up with Sweden, and Marcos Alonso, facing his former team from the left-footed central position.
Midfield: Hugo Sotelo as organizer, accompanied by Ilaix Moriba, who recently shone against Betis. The midfielders would be Óscar Mingueza, debutant with the Spanish team, and Hugo Álvarez, who has taken advantage of the international break to recover from back discomfort.
Lead: Iago Aspas, celestial reference, will lead the attack from the right wing. At the top will be Tasos Douvikas, who will seek to take advantage of his speed to break the Barça defensive line. On the left wing, the Swede Williot Swedberg will be key to attacking the spaces.
The plan to stop Hansi Flick’s FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona arrives as the undisputed leader of the competition, but with the significant loss of Lamine Yamal due to injury. This detail will be crucial for Celta’s approach, which will seek to exploit the spaces behind the Barça defense. Players like Tasos Douvikas and Swedberg, with their ability to break away and attack on the counterattack, will be fundamental in this scheme.
In midfield, Hugo Sotelo and Ilaix Moriba will have the responsibility of balancing the game and cutting the connections between the Catalan midfielders and their forwards. In addition, the experience of Iago Aspas will be vital to lead the Galician team’s attacks.
A challenge with history and hope
The confrontation against Barça is a litmus test for Celta that needs points to move away from the bottom of the table. With the support of the fans in Balaídos, the celestials hope to surprise Hansi Flick’s team.
Can Celta defeat the leader and have a historic night in Balaídos? The truth is that the Galician team arrives with weapons ready to try. Everything is ready for a vibrant match!
