The Estadio Abanca-Balaídos in Vigo is the setting for an intriguing La Liga clash as Celta Vigo host Barcelona for this Matchday 12 fixture. The hosts, Celta Vigo, enter the game in superb form, currently boasting an impressive eight-match unbeaten run across all competitions and climbing to 12th position in the league. They face a Barcelona side that sits 2nd in La Liga but is struggling severely with defensive issues, conceding three goals in a midweek UEFA Champions League draw. This fixture is notoriously difficult for the Catalan side, who have often dropped crucial points at Balaídos. This contest pits Celta’s resilience and formidable current momentum against Barcelona’s superior attacking quality, with both teams desperate for three points for very different reasons.
Match Details
This Sunday evening La Liga fixture is critical for the title race, as Barcelona aims to keep pace with league leaders Real Madrid.
DetailInformationCompetitionLa Liga – Matchday 12DateSunday, November 9, 2025Kick-off9:00 PM CET (8:00 PM GMT)VenueEstadio Abanca-Balaídos, Vigo, Spain
Team Form and Analysis for Celta Vigo
Domestic Form and European Performance
Celta Vigo have found their stride after a difficult start, currently occupying 12th position in the La Liga table with 13 points from 11 matches. Their record stands at two wins, seven draws, and two defeats.
The Sky Blues have been remarkably hard to beat this season, having lost only two games—the joint-second fewest in the league—but have been hampered by seven stalemates. Manager Claudio Giraldez’s side enters this match in excellent form, boasting an eight-match unbeaten run across all competitions, which includes five consecutive victories. Their most recent success was a dominant 3-0 away win against Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, where the manager heavily rotated his squad. Celta will be looking to capitalize on Barcelona’s recent defensive vulnerabilities and draw upon their strong recent home record against the Catalans, having secured wins or draws in many of their recent encounters at Balaídos.
Key Player: Borja Iglesias
Striker Borja Iglesias is the main offensive threat and leading goalscorer for Celta Vigo this season, netting four goals in La Liga already. The Spanish international was rested for the midweek European match, ensuring he is fresh to lead the line on Sunday. Iglesias’s clinical finishing and ability to occupy central defenders will be crucial in exploiting the defensive uncertainty in the Barcelona backline, which has been exposed in recent games. He is the player most likely to punish any errors made by the visiting defence.
Team Form and Analysis for Barcelona
Domestic Form and European Performance
Barcelona are fighting to stay in the title race, currently sitting in 2nd position in the La Liga table with 25 points from 11 matches. Their record stands at eight wins, one draw, and two defeats.
The Catalans secured a necessary 3-1 home victory over Elche in their last La Liga outing, but their form in general has been patchy, punctuated by a Clásico loss and a worrying Champions League performance. Manager Hansi Flick’s team struggled defensively in midweek, playing out a disappointing 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in the Champions League, which means they have now gone nine consecutive matches without a clean sheet across all competitions. Barcelona’s electric attack, led by their young stars, has been keeping them in games. However, a significant injury crisis, including the absence of key players like Marc-André ter Stegen, Pedri, and Gavi, coupled with the ongoing defensive fragility, makes this notoriously tough away trip even more challenging.
Key Player: Fermín López
While Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski draw headlines, midfielder Fermín López has emerged as the standout player in Barcelona’s attack over the last few weeks. The Spanish midfielder has contributed an impressive eight goals and assists combined in his last four games across all competitions. Fermín’s dynamic energy, fearless attitude, and clinical touch in the final third have made him virtually undroppable for manager Hansi Flick. With Pedri and Gavi injured, his ability to drive forward from midfield and create chances will be the key to unlocking Celta’s resilient defence.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
This fixture is known for causing upsets, with the home side often proving to be a genuine bogey team for the Catalans at Balaídos.
MetricCelta Vigo WinsDrawsBarcelona WinsTotal La Liga Meetings (since 1994)111426Barcelona Wins in Last 10 Trips to Celta2Most Recent Result (Apr 2025)Barcelona 4-3 Celta Vigo (H)
The overall historical record in La Liga favours Barcelona, who have won 26 of the 51 top-flight meetings. However, the away trip to Balaídos has become a significant psychological hurdle for the Catalan giants. Barcelona have won only two of their last ten trips to Celta Vigo in La Liga, with the hosts securing famous wins or draws in many of the other encounters. The last meeting was a chaotic 4-3 home victory for Barcelona in April 2025. Last season’s match at Balaídos ended in a 2-2 draw, and Celta won the fixture in the 2022-23 season, highlighting the challenge for the visitors.
Players to Watch
Celta Vigo
Bryan Zaragoza (Winger): The pacey Spanish winger is a constant threat on the counter-attack. His quick feet and dribbling ability will be crucial for exploiting the spaces left by Barcelona’s high defensive line.
Luca de la Torre (Midfielder): The American international provides work rate and technical quality in the centre of the pitch. His ability to link midfield to attack and his high-pressing intensity will be key to disrupting Barcelona’s build-up.
Barcelona
Lamine Yamal (Winger): The young sensation has been in electric form, with five goals and six assists this season. Yamal will be desperate to score against Celta Vigo, one of the few La Liga sides he has yet to net against, despite having provided three assists in previous encounters.
Ronald Araújo (Defender): The Uruguayan centre-back is the most physical and reliable presence in the Barcelona defence. His return to the starting lineup will be vital for managing the threat of Borja Iglesias and providing much-needed leadership to a shaky back four.
Prediction
This fixture is notorious for being unpredictable, and the current form of both teams only adds to the tension. Celta Vigo’s excellent unbeaten run and psychological advantage at Balaídos, combined with Barcelona’s lengthy injury list and glaring defensive vulnerabilities, strongly suggest a tight, high-scoring contest. While Barcelona’s attacking quality, led by Lewandowski and Fermín López, is immense, their inability to keep a clean sheet makes them vulnerable. Celta have the momentum and the historical narrative on their side. Expect Celta to score and hold their own, forcing the title chasers to settle for a point.
Score Prediction: Celta Vigo 2-2 Barcelona
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This La Liga fixture is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms globally.
In the United Kingdom (UK), the match is available to watch live on Premier Sports 1 and the La Liga TV channel. Coverage starts shortly before the 8:00 PM GMT kick-off.
In the United States (US), the match is available to watch and stream live on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes. The kick-off time is 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions for the most accurate broadcast information.
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