Celta vs Alaves: prediction, head-to-head, and probable line-ups – 22 March 2026
One of the fixtures of La Liga's Matchday 29 will unfold this Sunday in Vigo at the Balaídos stadium, where Celta host Alaves. For the home side, it's a chance to stay within the European qualification zone, while the visitors have the opportunity to take another vital step in their battle for survival. Here’s my take on the outcome of this intriguing showdown.
- See also: Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: prediction, head-to-head, and probable line-ups – 22 March 2026
Match preview
Celta come into this clash riding a wave of positive momentum, having confidently dispatched Lyon in the Europa League midweek. A 2-0 victory in the second leg sealed a 3-1 aggregate triumph, meaning the Galicians continue their European journey and can now look ahead to a quarter-final tie against Freiburg. Their domestic form is promising too: Celta currently sit sixth, keeping Real Sociedad at bay with a three-point cushion.
Yet, the hosts face a subtle but significant issue — their home form this season hasn’t always matched their league position. In their last La Liga outing, Celta drew 1-1 with Betis, while their previous home league game ended in a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid. Add to that the fatigue from a taxing European night, and Celta will also be without the suspended Ilaix Moriba, which makes their midfield less dynamic. Still, they have a serious offensive weapon up front in Borja Iglesias, who has already netted 15 times this season.
Alaves arrive in Vigo facing a far more anxious situation in the table. Sitting 17th, just two points clear of the relegation zone, every slip-up could prove costly. Last time out, the Basques drew 1-1 with Villarreal, halting a two-match losing streak against Levante and Valencia, but overall, the season remains a grinding struggle for them.
Since Quique Sanchez Flores took over, there hasn’t been a dramatic turnaround, though structurally Alaves do appear more organized and pragmatic. The new manager has picked up just one point from his first two games, but a key advantage for Alaves now could be freshness: unlike their opponents, they didn’t expend energy on midweek European fixtures. There are squad issues, though: Youssef Enríquez misses out through suspension, but Jon Pacheco and Ander Guevara return after serving bans, which should bolster the visitors’ solidity and depth.
Probable line-ups
- Celta: Radu — Alonso, Starfelt, Rodriguez — Núñez, Mingueza, Sotelo, Álvarez — Aspas, Iglesias, Jutglà
- Alaves: Sivera — Tenaglia, Parada, Pacheco — Perez, Ibañez, Blanco, Aleñá, Jonny — Martinez, Boyé
Match facts and head-to-head
- Celta defeated Alaves 1-0 in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
- Last season, the match between these sides in Vigo ended in a 2-1 victory for Celta.
- Alaves come into this game just two points above the relegation zone, while Celta remain firmly in La Liga’s top six.
Prediction
This won’t be an easy night for Celta, as post-European fixtures always carry the risk of a dip in energy and sharpness. Alaves will likely look to stay compact at the back, slow the game down, and capitalize on any nerves from the hosts, who can’t afford to drop points in the race for Europe. Still, given their attacking quality, overall gameplay, and current confidence, the Galicians seem the more reliable pick—so backing a Celta victory appears the best option.
