Celta Vigo welcome Freiburg for the second leg of the UEFA Europa League quarter-final at Estadio Balaídos on April 16. The Spanish side faces a very difficult task after losing the first leg 3-0. They now need a big performance at home to stay alive in the competition.
Freiburg arrive with strong momentum and a big advantage. The German side has been in good form recently and will look to defend their lead and secure a historic place in the semi-finals. While Celta are fighting for a comeback, Freiburg only need a solid defensive display to progress.
Celta Vigo vs SC Freiburg Match Details
| Match | Celta Vigo vs SC Freiburg |
|---|---|
| League | UEFA Europa League 2025-26 |
| Stage | Quarter-final (2nd Leg) |
| Date | April 16, 2026 |
| Time | 12:45 PM ET |
| Venue | Estadio Balaídos, Vigo |
| First Leg Result | Freiburg 3-0 Celta Vigo |
Current Season Overview
| Team | League Position | Points | Goals For | Goals Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celta Vigo | 6th (La Liga) | 44 | 44 | 40 |
| Freiburg | 8th (Bundesliga) | 40 | 42 | 57 |
Celta are enjoying a decent domestic season, but recent performances have been poor. Freiburg, on the other hand, have been more consistent and are in a strong position overall.
Recent Form – Last Games
Celta Vigo Recent Results
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| vs Real Oviedo | Loss 0-3 |
| vs Freiburg | Loss 0-3 |
| vs Valencia | Win 3-2 |
| vs Alavés | Loss 3-4 |
| vs Lyon | Win 2-0 |
Celta have struggled defensively, conceding many goals in recent matches. Their form has dropped at a crucial stage of the season.
Freiburg Recent Results
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| vs Mainz | Win 1-0 |
| vs Celta Vigo | Win 3-0 |
| vs Bayern Munich | Loss 2-3 |
| vs St. Pauli | Win 2-1 |
| vs Genk | Win 5-1 |
Freiburg have won four of their last five matches and look confident heading into this game.
Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 1 |
| Freiburg Wins | 1 |
| Celta Wins | 0 |
Freiburg dominated the first meeting, winning 3-0 with a strong all-round performance.
Team News & Injury Updates
Celta Vigo
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Miguel Roman | Injured |
| Hugo Alvarez | Doubtful |
| Mihailo Ristic | Doubtful |
| Carl Starfelt | Doubtful |
Celta have a few injury concerns, which could affect their defensive strength.
Freiburg
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Max Rosenfelder | Injured |
| Patrick Osterhage | Injured |
| Daniel Kyereh | Doubtful |
Freiburg also have some players unavailable, but their core squad remains strong.
Probable Playing XI
Celta Vigo (3-4-3)
Radu; J. Rodriguez, Aidoo, Alonso; Mingueza, Vecino, Moriba, Carreira; Swedberg, Jutgla, Iglesias
Freiburg (4-2-3-1)
Atubolu; Kuebler, Ginter, Lienhart, Makengo; Eggestein, Manzambi; Beste, Suzuki, Grifo; Matanovic
Key Players to Watch
Celta Vigo
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Borja Iglesias | Main striker |
| Ferran Jutgla | Attacking threat |
| Williot Swedberg | Creative support |
Celta need goals, so their attacking players must deliver a top performance.
Freiburg
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Vincenzo Grifo | Key playmaker |
| Matthias Ginter | Defensive leader |
| Igor Matanovic | Forward presence |
Freiburg will rely on their defense and counter-attacks.
Tactical Analysis
Celta Vigo Strategy
- Must attack from the start
- Need early goals to build pressure
- Risk of defensive gaps due to attacking approach
Freiburg Strategy
- Likely to play deep and defend
- Focus on maintaining shape
- Use counter-attacks when possible
This contrast in tactics could decide the match. Celta will push forward, while Freiburg will try to control the game defensively.
Team Performance Comparison
| Category | Celta Vigo | Freiburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Goals Scored | 1.4 | 1.8 |
| Avg Goals Conceded | 1.7 | 1.3 |
| Possession | Higher | Moderate |
| Strength | Attack | Defense |
Celta are better in possession, while Freiburg are more balanced and stronger defensively.
Best Picks
| Pick Type | Selection |
|---|---|
| Both Teams to Score | Yes |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 |
| Double Chance | Freiburg or Draw |
| Correct Score | 1-1 or 2-2 |
The match could open up due to Celta’s need to attack, increasing chances of goals.
Match Prediction
Celta Vigo are under heavy pressure after losing the first leg 3-0. They must attack from the start, which could make the game open and high-scoring. However, their recent defensive struggles are a big concern.
Freiburg have been strong defensively and are in better form. With a big lead, they can focus on controlling the game and slowing down the tempo. Even if Celta win on the night, it may not be enough to change the result over two legs.
Predicted Score:
Celta Vigo 1 – 1 Freiburg
Freiburg are expected to qualify for the semi-finals.
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