Barcelona will aim to secure a second consecutive La Liga victory when they visit Celta Vigo on Sunday evening in their ongoing 2025–26 campaign.
Under Hansi Flick, the Catalan giants currently sit second in the table, five points adrift of leaders Real Madrid, while Celta are positioned 12th with 13 points from 11 matches.
Celta Vigo have proven difficult to beat this season, losing just twice in their 11 league games. Only Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have suffered fewer defeats. However, a high number of draws — seven in total — has limited their progress in the standings.
Claudio Giraldez’s men hold a record of two wins, seven draws, and two losses, which places them mid-table heading into matchday 12. Yet, they approach this encounter in fine form, winning five straight matches across all competitions and remaining unbeaten in their last eight outings.
Their recent run includes two league victories, three wins in the Europa League group stage, and a 2-0 triumph over Puerto de Vega in the opening round of the Copa del Rey. Confidence will therefore be high in the Celta camp, particularly as they look to exploit Barcelona’s ongoing defensive frailties.
While Barcelona remain one of the most dangerous attacking teams in Spain — especially with Raphinha close to returning — defensive instability has become a clear concern. Flick’s side have conceded 13 goals in 11 league matches and were exposed again in midweek, drawing 3-3 with Club Brugge in the Champions League.
Despite those struggles, Barcelona’s overall record remains strong: eight wins, one draw, and two defeats have earned them 25 points, keeping them firmly in contention near the top. Should Real Madrid defeat Rayo Vallecano earlier on Sunday, however, the gap could stretch to eight points.
The reigning champions have lost two of their last four league games but will take encouragement from their 3-1 victory over Elche in their previous outing. Historically, Barcelona have won three of their last four meetings with Celta, including a thrilling 4-3 win in April.
Even so, Celta have held their own in this fixture before — last season’s meeting at Balaídos ended 2-2, and they famously defeated Barcelona 2-1 at home during the 2022–23 campaign.
Both sides enter this contest with momentum and something to prove, setting up what promises to be a lively and competitive clash in Vigo.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Celta Vigo will once more be without Williot Swedberg and Javi Rueda, who are both sidelined with injury issues, while Hugo Alvarez and Ionut Andrei Radu are also expected to remain unavailable.
Radu is currently nursing a hand injury, meaning Ivan Villar should continue in goal after featuring in two of Celta’s last three matches across all competitions.
Although Pablo Duran impressed with a brace against Dinamo Zagreb in Thursday’s Europa League clash, he is likely to make way for Borja Iglesias, who is expected to lead the attack against Barcelona.
On the visitors’ side, Barcelona will still be missing Gavi (knee), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back), Raphinha (hamstring), and Pedri (hamstring), all of whom remain sidelined through injury.
There is some positive news for Hansi Flick, as both Joan Garcia and Andreas Christensen have made strong progress in their recoveries from knee and calf problems and could return to the squad for the trip to Vigo.
However, Eric Garcia is set to miss out after suffering a suspected broken nose in the 3-3 draw with Club Brugge, paving the way for Pau Cubarsi to reclaim his place at the heart of the defence.
Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo are both fit again and pushing for inclusion, but they are expected to begin on the bench as they continue to build up match sharpness.
POOSIBLE LINE-UPS
Celta Vigo possible starting lineup:
Villar; Rodriguez, Starfelt, Alonso; Mingueza, Beltran, Moriba, Carreira; Jutgla, Iglesias, Zaragoza
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, De Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Rashford; Torres
EXPERT PREDICTION
Celta Vigo 1-3 Barcelona
