Can Salamanca erase the memory of 0-7? Salamanca vs Celta prediction — 28.10.2026
On Wednesday, October 28, Salamanca CF UDS will host Celta Vigo in the first round of the Copa del Rey. The match kicks off at 21:00 local time at the Helmántico. Salamanca arrive from the Segunda Federación after earning their Copa del Rey place through the Copa Federación, while Celta begin another cup campaign under Claudio Giráldez.
Salamanca: Muniain prepares for the biggest test of his new coaching career
Salamanca are now coached by Iker Muniain, who took charge of the first team ahead of the 2026/27 season. The former Athletic Club captain is therefore preparing for a particularly symbolic competition: only two years ago he lifted the Copa del Rey as a player, while now he is trying to create a cup surprise from the dugout. The club confirmed again on October 19 that Muniain remains in charge of the first team.
The hosts qualified for this stage through the Copa Federación. They eliminated Caudal Deportivo and then UD Santa Marta, with their run to the semi-finals securing a place in the Copa del Rey first round. It is a major occasion for a club playing in Spain's fourth tier, and the atmosphere at the Helmántico should give Salamanca additional energy.
Their league form, however, has become less convincing. Salamanca lost 2-1 away to Talavera on October 25, with Máximo Levrand scoring their equaliser before the hosts struck again late on. Before that, Muniain's team drew 1-1 with Navalcarnero, beat Sanse 3-2 and lost 2-0 to Atlético Tordesillas.
Against Talavera, Muniain started Unai Ayala in goal, with Rivas, Murua, Levrand and Cristeto in defence. Eguaras, Alsua and Urki formed the midfield, while Óscar León and William supported Vicandi in attack. That is the clearest indication of the core Salamanca may rely on against Celta.
There are also personnel concerns. The latest official Salamanca medical updates still had Marc Prat awaiting ankle surgery, while earlier October reports listed Iker San Vicente and Juancho in recovery from muscle injuries. Prat's absence is the clearest long-term issue after the club estimated a recovery period of four to five months.
Celta: better form and enough depth despite the injury list
Celta arrive in Salamanca after a demanding but encouraging week. Giráldez's side defeated Alavés 2-1 in La Liga, then came from behind to beat Celtic 2-1 at Celtic Park in the Europa League before playing out a 0-0 draw with Real Betis on October 25. Against Betis, Celta created opportunities through Hugo González and Pablo Durán but could not find a way past Álvaro Valles.
That Betis match also gives a reliable picture of Celta's current options. Radu started in goal, with Javi Rodríguez, Yoel Lago and Marcos Alonso in the back line; Javi Rueda, Ilaix Moriba, Aleix Febas and Javi Galán featured across midfield and the flanks, while Hugo González, Hugo Álvarez and Pablo Durán started in attack. Giráldez could also introduce Williot Swedberg, Ferran Jutglà and Iago Aspas from the bench.
Celta nevertheless travel with several confirmed injury problems. Carl Starfelt, Borja Iglesias, Miguel Román, Álvaro Núñez and Jones El-Abdellaoui were all unavailable for the Betis game. Borja Iglesias is expected to miss around six weeks with a soleus injury, while Álvaro Núñez was given an estimated four-week recovery period after suffering an adductor injury.
Importantly, Pablo Durán should not be included among those absentees: he was named in Celta's squad and started against Betis on October 25.
Rotation from Giráldez would be understandable in a first-round cup tie, but Celta's current squad still offers far more individual quality and depth than Salamanca's. Players such as Aspas, Jutglà, Swedberg, Moriba, Marcos Alonso and Javi Galán give the visitors several ways to change the game even if not all of them start.
Key facts
- Salamanca have taken only one point from their last two league matches, drawing with Navalcarnero and losing to Talavera.
- Celta have just beaten Alavés and Celtic before holding Betis to a goalless draw.
- The clubs have already met at the Helmántico in the Copa del Rey. In December 2024, Celta won 7-0, with Williot Swedberg and Pablo Durán among the scorers.
- Salamanca play in Segunda Federación, while Celta compete in La Liga, leaving a three-division gap between the teams.
Celta should avoid the upset, even if this meeting is much tighter than in 2024
The 7-0 result from two years ago should not be treated as a realistic scoreline prediction this time. Salamanca have changed significantly, Muniain has given the team a competitive identity, and a packed Helmántico can turn the opening stages into an uncomfortable test for the visitors.
Still, the difference in squad quality is substantial. Celta have shown in the space of one week that they can beat a physical La Liga opponent, win a difficult European away match and then keep a clean sheet against Betis. Even with several injuries and possible rotation, Giráldez can call on players accustomed to a much higher competitive level.
Salamanca should be competitive in the opening stages, especially with the home crowd behind them, but over 90 minutes the gap in class and squad depth may become increasingly difficult to hide. Celta have far more quality in every line and enough attacking options to maintain pressure even after substitutions. If Giráldez's side score first, the hosts will be forced to open up, which should create even more space for the visitors. Given the difference in level between the teams and Celta's ability to control this type of cup tie, backing the La Liga side with a -2 Asian handicap looks more attractive than taking the short price on a simple away win.
Prediction: Celta Vigo -2 Asian Handicap.
