Match Overview
The third-round fixture of the 2025/26 group stage will see Celta (Spain) host Nice (France) on October 23rd at the Balaídos Stadium in Vigo. This preview offers a detailed prediction, odds analysis, and key statistics for the Celta vs Nice encounter.Celta
Celta’s Journey in the Europa League
Celta’s return to the Europa League this season, their first appearance since 2017, has yielded a mix of results. Late September saw them fall to Stuttgart, extending a winless streak in the competition to four matches. However, the squad, under Claudio Giráldez, broke this losing streak a week later with a spirited 3-1 comeback victory against PAOK. The only recurring concern for the Spanish side is their defensive record, having conceded in their last six consecutive Europa League matches. Despite this, Celta has already scored four goals in the current tournament, a tally surpassed by only three other clubs. The team currently holds the 13th position in the overall standings.Key Statistics for Celta
- The Spanish team has found the net in 8 out of their last 9 Europa League matches.
- Their home record in this European competition has been uncompromising over 5 games, with 3 wins and 2 losses.
- Both teams have scored in 5 of Celta’s last 6 Europa League fixtures.
Celta’s Predicted Line-up (3-4-3)*
Andrey Radu – Karl Starfelt, Manu Fernandez, Marcos Alonso – Oscar Mingueza, Ilaix Moriba, Damian Rodriguez, Javier Rueda – Williot Swedberg, Borja Iglesias, Iago Aspas.Team News for Celta
Defenders Mykhailo Ristić and Joel Lago, along with forward Williot Swedberg, are unavailable due to injuries.Nice
Nice’s Europa League Struggles
For several seasons, Nice has found Europa League matches to be a significant challenge. In the current campaign, they have yet to secure a point, suffering defeats in both of their opening games against Fenerbahçe and Roma. While these losses were by minimal margins, the team’s current 31st place in the standings, among other clubs without points, falls short of their ambitions. The French side is currently on a 14-game winless streak in the Europa League, with 11 of those matches ending in defeat. Furthermore, Nice has conceded a total of four goals in this tournament so far, a figure exceeded by only two other teams.Key Statistics for Nice
- The club has conceded goals in 14 consecutive Europa League matches.
- Nice has covered the handicap (+1.5) in their last 5 games in this European competition.
- At least two goals have been scored in 6 of the French team’s last 7 Europa League matches.
Nice’s Predicted Line-up (4-3-3)*
Yvann Diouf – Jonathan Clauss, Kodjo Oppong, Djouma Ba, Melvin Bard – Tom Louche, Charles Vanhoutte, Morgan Sanson – Jérémie Boga, Tiago Gouveia, Kevin Omoruyi.Team News for Nice
Defenders Moise Bombito, Mohamed Abdelmonem, and Youssouf Ndayishimiye, as well as forward Terem Moffi, are currently sidelined with injuries.Referee
Referee Profile: Sander van der Eijk
Sander van der Eijk (Netherlands)
Matches officiated – 8 (International matches, 2025/26); Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 17; Average yellow cards per match – 2.1; Red cards shown – 2; Average fouls per match – 26; Penalties awarded – 25%.
Match Prediction: Celta vs Nice
Celta’s Home Advantage
Celta is known for its resilient nature, and their home form is particularly strong. In the previous round, the team ended a four-match winless streak in the Europa League. Overall, over their last nine matches in this tournament, the Spanish club has suffered only two defeats. At home, Celta is exceptionally formidable, having lost only 3 of their last 30 Europa League home fixtures, with two-thirds of those matches resulting in victories.Nice’s Away Form Woes
Nice, on the other hand, continues to endure a prolonged difficult period in the Europa League. Frank Haise’s squad failed to secure any points in their first two group stage matches, and they currently find themselves on a 14-game winless run in this European competition (3 draws, 11 losses). Their away record is particularly bleak, with Nice having lost 11 consecutive away matches in the Europa League before this trip to Vigo.Final Verdict and Bet
Considering the aforementioned statistics and recent form, the hosts appear to be in a significantly stronger position than their opponents. Our prediction is “Celta with a (0) handicap” with odds of 1.46
Marcus Thornwell
